Secretary of War Discusses U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy at Shangri-La Dialogue
During the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth outlined a new direction for the U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Representing the Trump administration, he quoted President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous saying: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Hegseth emphasized that the era of the U.S. subsidizing the defense of affluent nations has ended, urging allied countries to take greater responsibility for their own national security, as highlighted in the U.S. National Defense Strategy.
“We need partners, not protectorates. We seek alliances built on shared responsibility, not dependency,” he stated.
He also commended Asian nations for their pragmatic approach to geopolitics, suggesting that Western European countries could learn a thing or two from them.
“Our partners in Asia have long understood that the bedrock of a durable partnership is based on the concrete alignment of national interests,” he remarked. “When our interests align, we act together with focused resolve. When our interests diverge, we adjust pragmatically without the drama or the moralizing.”
Hegseth called for a military stance that is “strong, quiet and clear.”
“We are ready to work with all of you based on your situation, geography, and cultural, political, and economic realities to ensure a Pacific free of any dominant hegemon,” he noted, clarifying that the Trump administration’s call for burden sharing is not inflexible.
His key focus remains on maintaining a balance of power in the Pacific to prevent any single state from overpowering others — particularly naming China as a concern.
“There is rightful alarm regarding China’s military buildup and expansion in the region,” he explained.
Referencing China’s military maneuvers near Taiwan, Hegseth highlighted warnings from Chinese President Xi about potential conflicts if issues aren’t managed properly.
In their discussions, Xi did agree to strive for a constructive relationship with the U.S., which Hegseth observed firsthand alongside President Trump.
“The U.S. provides disciplined strength and steady resolve, while seeking a stable equilibrium that benefits both Americans and allies,” Hegseth stated, stressing the importance of a favorable balance of power in which no state, including China, can claim dominance.
He pointed out that several Asian nations have been ramping up their defense investments to support collective security. For instance, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has boosted defense spending to a global standard of 3.5%.
“President Trump is setting the gold standard. We expect our allies and partners to match that resolve,” Hegseth said firmly.
He continued, “For those who think they can continue to rely on the generosity of the American taxpayer, those days are over. Allies who fail to contribute will see a shift in how we interact… This is what we owe each other, and especially what I owe to the American people and our troops.”
