Hegseth urges Asian allies to boost defense spending to counter China's military rise; US seeks stronger, more self-reliant alliances, warns against 'freeloading'; US stands ready to restart strikes on Iran if no deal is reached

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

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