US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a blunt warning to China at Asia's premier defence summit on Saturday, declaring that "no state, including China, can impose its hegemony" while also taking aim at European allies for not pulling their weight.

While the US defence chief gave gung-ho speech at last year’s conference, post-summit reset in ties may prompt moderation.

Pete Hegseth issued a warning to US allies, saying the US needs "partners, not protectorates".