Caught between China's rapid military rise and growing doubts about US focus, Indo-Pacific nations are racing to arm themselves and each other.
At Asia's premier defence forum, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pressed regional partners to shoulder more of the security burden. Yet, concerns persist that US priorities may be drifting due to the Iran conflict.
Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore: 'We can do two things at one time.' Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi said he believed US commitment was 'unwavering.'
Regional defence chiefs made clear the push was on to do more with each other beyond the traditional US umbrella. Philippines' Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro called it 'buttressing' the US role, with Manila deepening ties with Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Japan is positioning itself as a hub for that broader network. Koizumi said Tokyo aims to act as a 'connecting point' for closer regional cooperation beyond China.
Canada's Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan said her forces were expanding presence in the region, cooperating with Japan and the Philippines on cybersecurity and maritime exercises.
New Zealand is considering Japanese and British vessels to replace its ageing frigates. Defence Minister Chris Penk said there was scope for continuing existing pacts 'at a more intense level.'
Asian officials insisted that US commitment to the Indo-Pacific remains undimmed by Middle East conflict or 'America First' policy.
