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U.S. Pushes Asia-Pacific Allies to Ramp Up Military Spending as China Protests

By sending only defense scholars to the Shangri-La Dialogue, Beijing signalled its rejection of U.S. warnings, prompting allies to review their defense spending.

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ON CAM: HEGSETH's 'HUMILIATE OR...' MESSAGE; CHINA's PANICKY REACTION
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Overview

  • Pete Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Beijing’s military is “rehearsing for the real deal” and urged partners to raise their defense spending to around 5% of GDP.
  • China responded by sending a low-level delegation and accusing Washington of fomenting division, while reiterating its view of Taiwan as a domestic issue.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will “determine our defense policy” and has committed an additional $10 billion over four years, projecting spending to reach 2.3% of GDP by 2033-34.
  • European officials at the forum stressed that the security of Europe and Asia are linked, with Lithuania’s Dovilė Šakalienė warning that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine could embolden China in the South China Sea.
  • Defense Minister Richard Marles reported optimism about AUKUS progress, noting that work on eight nuclear-powered submarines is advancing and boosting Australia’s domestic capabilities.