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Hegseth Signals Shift in Defense Priorities at Singapore Summit

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prioritized stable relations with China while criticizing European defense partners during remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Hegseth praised Asian allies' security commitments but suggested Western Europe needed to strengthen its own defense capabilities. The defense chief notably avoided discussing Taiwan and regional conflicts in his address. Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said his country would not accelerate defense spending despite U.S. pressure for greater self-reliance among partners. New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk discussed regional security concerns and the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in critical sea lanes. Chinese officials at the summit stressed the need for "constructive strategic stability" between Washington and Beijing.