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U.S. Defense Chief Hails Asian Partners' Military Contributions, Warns Beijing on Regional Stability

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commended Asian allies for strengthening defense capabilities and sharing security burdens during remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore received particular praise for their commitment to regional partnerships. Vietnam and India also drew recognition for improving their military readiness. Hegseth outlined Washington's strategy as maintaining equilibrium across the Asia-Pacific through capable allied nations and alignment on shared interests. The defense chief directly addressed China, stating the U.S. seeks a balanced regional power dynamic where no single nation can dominate or threaten allied security and prosperity. Hegseth characterized the American approach to alliances as "strong, quiet, clear," emphasizing partnerships built on mutual national interests rather than ideological positioning.