Addressing defense officials and security experts from around 45 countries, Hegseth said there was “rightful alarm” regarding China’s historic military build-up and expanding regional activities. However, he stressed that Washington wanted a durable balance of power in which “no state, including China, can impose its hegemony.”
The remarks marked a notable shift from Hegseth’s more confrontational rhetoric at last year’s forum, when he described China as a potentially imminent security threat. This year, he emphasized “respectful” and “good-faith” engagement with Beijing and said US-China relations were in a better place following recent talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China again declined to send Defense Minister Dong Jun to the summit, instead dispatching a delegation of military scholars and experts. Hegseth said he looked forward to future opportunities to engage directly with his Chinese counterpart.
The Pentagon chief also urged US allies in the region to increase defense spending and contribute more to collective security, warning that countries unwilling to carry a greater share of defense responsibilities could face changes in Washington’s approach to partnerships. He praised allies including Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines for strengthening their defense commitments.
The annual Shangri-La Dialogue remains one of Asia’s most important security forums, providing a platform for discussions on regional stability, military cooperation and strategic competition among major powers.
