Hegseth sounds 'alarm' over China's buildup, urges allies to boost defense spend

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of "rightful alarm" over its rapid military buildup. Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier forum for defense leaders, militaries and diplomats, said a stronger, more self-reliant network of allies is essential to deter aggression and preserve the balance of power. "There is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," he said. Hegseth also said that the United States is mobilizing its defense manufacturing industry and expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP. Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that allies boost defense spending and has pointedly said European and NATO partners should reduce reliance on Washington. Hegseth's appearance comes amid broader tensions between Washington and its allies, with the U.S. recently withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany and threatening further drawdowns over what Pentagon officials called "inappropriate and unhelpful" rhetoric from European partners. (Production: Zahra Matarani) For more ABS-CBN News videos, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyY1WylJUmgy6PGn5--qRRixkhltg5hE For more Breaking News & Live Coverage videos, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyY1WylJUmgG2ln-vtKXb-oLlGEZc3sR For more latest news and analysis from ABS-CBN News videos, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyY1WylJUmjA30dKUQCDlG7vy38QQk-Y For more News Digital News Raw Cuts, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyY1WylJUmiOw9mcoSbzoyp25AAZAAdn Subscribe to the ABS-CBN News channel! - http://bit.ly/TheABSCBNNews Watch full episodes on iWant for FREE here: https://iwanttfc.com Visit our website at https://news.abs-cbn.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS Twitter: https://twitter.com/abscbnnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abscbnnews #ABSCBNNews #LatestNews