The US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP as it pledged a US$1.5 trillion investment in its military, the Pentagon chief said.
Hegseth stressed allies want stability, not escalation.
“What they want, and what the United States delivers, is strength that is disciplined, resolve that is steady, and leadership that is confident enough to speak and walk softly while carrying a big stick.”
Hegseth added ties with Beijing are “better than they have been in many years,” citing increased military-to-military contacts.
“We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open lines of military to military communication.”
