U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to boost defense spending to counter China's growing power.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said there is "rightful alarm" over China's historic military buildup.
"A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power," he warned.
Hegseth called for allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, while the U.S. pledges $1.5 trillion in military investment.
"We need partners, not protectorates. No freeloading," he added.
