Key facts
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase military spending.
- The proposed spending target is 3.5% of GDP.
- The goal is to counter China's growing power.
- Hegseth emphasized the need for stronger, self-reliant allies.
- He warned against relying on U.S. taxpayer subsidies for defense.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a strong call to action for Asian allies, urging them to significantly boost their military spending. Specifically, Hegseth is advocating for these nations to allocate 3.5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) towards defense. This directive is framed as a necessary measure to effectively counter the growing military and geopolitical power of China in the Indo-Pacific region. The Defense Secretary emphasized that the United States seeks stronger, more self-reliant allies who can contribute substantially to regional security. He also issued a warning against the continued reliance on U.S. taxpayer subsidies for the defense needs of these allied nations. This initiative underscores a strategic shift towards burden-sharing and aims to foster greater autonomy and capability among regional partners in maintaining stability and deterring potential threats. The push for increased defense budgets is seen as a critical component of a comprehensive strategy to address the evolving security landscape in Asia.