United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has addressed key foreign policy objectives for Washington at a defense summit in Singapore, focusing on China's military growth and its implications for regional stability.

Speaking at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, Hegseth outlined concerns regarding Beijing's "historic military buildup" and its expanding military activities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. These comments come amid a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and a protracted US-Israel war on Iran, which has impacted global markets and depleted critical US munitions.

Hegseth emphasized that China is widely considered Washington's most significant geopolitical rival. He called upon US allies in the region to bolster their defense spending as a countermeasure to China's increasing power. The Defense Secretary described relations with Beijing as "better" than they have been in years but warned that inaction could allow China to become the regional hegemon.

"A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power," Hegseth stated. He asserted that no nation, including China, should be permitted to impose its hegemony and jeopardize the security or prosperity of the United States and its allies.

The dialogue also touched upon Taiwan, a significant point of contention between Washington and Beijing. Taiwan has been enhancing its defense capabilities in anticipation of potential Chinese invasion. The island has functioned as a de facto independent state since 1950, though Beijing considers it its territory.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, who identified Taiwan as the paramount issue in US-China relations. Xi had cautioned that "clashes and even conflicts" could arise if the Taiwan situation is mishandled.

The war on Iran, launched in late February by the US and Israel, has had widespread repercussions. It has rattled global markets, triggered an energy crisis, and led to shortages of vital US munitions, such as Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors, which are priced at approximately $12 million each. A recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicated that replenishing four critical munitions heavily utilized during the conflict could take two to three years.

Hegseth's remarks underscore the ongoing strategic competition between the US and China, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. The call for increased defense spending from allies highlights a strategy aimed at burden-sharing and collective security in the face of perceived Chinese assertiveness.