US Warns Asian Nations to Beware of China's 'Disaster'

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The United States (US) has urged its Asian allies to boost defence spending to counter China’s growing military power and prevent Beijing’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. The call was made by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s largest security forum bringing together defence ministers, military officials, diplomats, and security experts from various countries. In his speech, Hegseth stated that Asian nations have valid reasons to be concerned about China’s unprecedented acceleration in military buildup. “There is legitimate concern regarding China’s historic military buildup and its expanded military activities both within and beyond the region,” Hegseth said, citing Reuters, Saturday, May 30, 2026. He said stronger, self-reliant allies are crucial in creating a deterrent effect against various security threats. Hegseth stressed that the Pacific should not be dominated by a single power. A single nation’s dominance would disrupt the balance of power that has maintained regional stability. “A Pacific dominated by a hegemonic power would undermine regional power balance. No country, including China, should impose hegemony and leave our security and that of our allies in uncertainty,” he said. During the speech, Hegseth said Washington expects Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP). This came alongside the US commitment to invest around $1.5 trillion in its military sector. While highlighting China’s military advancements, Hegseth stressed that US allies seek stability, not conflict escalation. “What they want, and what the US provides, is disciplined strength, consistent resolve, and leadership confident enough to speak calmly while still carrying a big stick,” he said. On the other hand, Hegseth noted that US-China relations have improved compared to recent years, attributing this to increased direct military communication between the two sides. “Our relations with Beijing are better than in recent years. We are now meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts while maintaining open military-to-military communication channels,” he said. Since returning as US President, Donald Trump has consistently urged allies to increase their defence budgets, repeatedly stressing that European nations and NATO members must reduce reliance on Washington for security matters. Echoing this stance, Hegseth said the era of the US subsidising defence costs for wealthy nations has ended. “The era of the US subsidising defence for wealthy nations is over. We need partners, not protectorates,” he stressed. He added that strong alliances can only be achieved if all members share the burden equally. “We cannot have strong alliances if all parties do not contribute. No one should benefit without sharing responsibility,” Hegseth said.