Giving a speech in Singapore, the US Defence Secretary chided allies for relying on America for defence and protection, saying the free ride was over.

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

His address comes as global tensions remain elevated, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

Hegseth said that China cannot impose its hegemony on U.S. partners and allies in the region.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the “era of US subsidising wealthy nations is over”.

SINGAPORE: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China’s growing power and prevent its dominance in the region,…

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed alarm about China's military buildup in Asia. He also said the US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defense spending…

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth struck a measured tone towards China at a major defence forum on Saturday, noting "rightful alarm" over Beijing's military build-up but saying the…

The Pentagon chief, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore said stronger, more self-reliant allies are key to deterrence.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of…

Speaking in Singapore, the US Defence Secretary warned that China's military expansion risks upsetting the balance of power in the Pacific.

Indo-Pacific countries investments in their defense an example of how burden sharing works, says Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies Saturday that Washington remains committed to the region while softening past comments that described China as an…

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…

Pete Hegseth verspricht am Shangri-La-Dialog in Singapur den asiatischen Alliierten eine enge Zusammenarbeit. Aber nur, wenn sie ihren Teil zur Verteidigung beitragen.

The US Secretary of War addressed Asia's most important defence summit, but did not mention Taiwan as questions remain over a stalled weapons package.

Pete Hegseth urged allies to spend more on defense while warning China over its growing regional influence.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies Saturday that Washington remains committed to the region while softening past comments that described China as an…

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of…

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is not spending enough on defence, shortly after stating that the days of the "US subsidising wealthy nations is over".

“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” he says.