U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a blunt message to America's allies, declaring that the era of 'freeloading' on U.S. military power is over. Speaking at a major international security forum, Hegseth urged partners across the Indo-Pacific and beyond to take greater responsibility for their own defense and increase military spending.

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”.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to European allies regarding defense spending. He stated that nations failing to increase their military budgets…