US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the proposed US$1.5 trillion defense budget as 'absolutely critical' for countering China's military modernization. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth urged allies to increase their own defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, emphasizing the need for partners rather than protectorates.
The US$1.5 trillion defense budget and increased allied spending are intended to counter China's military buildup, impacting global security dynamics and potentially influencing defense industry investments.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the proposed US$1.5 trillion defense budget is 'absolutely critical' to counter China's military modernization, warning that nations falling behind in autonomy, robotics, and AI will be further disadvantaged. Speaking at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition on Wednesday, Hegseth highlighted Project Agincourt, an initiative to accelerate drone and autonomous systems. Earlier, on Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase their defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and a balanced regional power dynamic. He stressed that no state, including China, should impose hegemony. Hegseth also noted that US-China relations have improved with more frequent military-to-military engagements and that the US can address both Middle East and Asia-Pacific priorities simultaneously.
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