U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raised the issue of transferring wartime operational control in Korea and stressed the need for allies to expand their security roles. He said Korea, which promised to increase defense spending, had shown pragmatism and leadership.
Hegseth said in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security summit, in Singapore on the 30th (local time), "Security in this region has relied too heavily on U.S. military power," adding, "A strong alliance can be built only when everyone takes responsibility."
He said, "There is no free ride," and, "The era of the United States subsidizing the defense budgets of wealthy countries is over. We need partners, not protectorates."
He then said the United States continues to make large-scale military investments and again urged allies and partner countries to raise defense spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Korea was mentioned in this context as well. Hegseth said, "We applaud the pragmatism and leadership Korea has shown," adding, "It is a breath of fresh air to see allies like Korea take the lead more quickly in operational control of military operations."
He also stressed the need to check China. Hegseth said, "There are concerns about China's historic military buildup and its military activities expanding across this region (the Asia-Pacific) and beyond," adding, "No nation, including China, can exercise hegemony in a way that shakes the security and prosperity of the United States and its allies."
He added, "If any hegemon comes to dominate the Pacific, the region's balance of power will collapse," and, "We seek a stable balance that serves both the United States and its allies."
However, he said, "We do not want unnecessary confrontation in this region," adding, "The United States and China are maintaining military communication channels and are meeting more frequently."
Hegseth said, "What allies want and what the United States provides is restrained power and firm resolve," calling it "confident leadership that, while strong, can speak and act with prudence." He added that allies want stability rather than heightened tensions.