Strong Allies Needed to Keep China in Check
The United States defence chief urged Asia to increase its own military budgets in order to counterbalance China’s growing influence. Speaking at a major conference of military leaders in Singapore, he called on Japan, South Korea and the Philippines to raise their defence spending to around 3.5 % of GDP—a figure that mirrors the U.S.’s own $1.5 trillion investment in its armed forces.
- Balance of Power
The chief warned that a single dominant country in the Pacific would destabilise regional equilibrium. He emphasized that allies desire peace, not conflict, and that U.S. support will be disciplined yet low‑tension.
U.S.–China Relations
Despite the absence of China’s defence minister from recent dialogues and prior criticism over remarks on China’s military build‑up, the chief noted that U.S.–China relations are currently better thanks to regular military talks.Regional Partnerships
He praised the contributions of Asian partners and urged Japan to strengthen its role in the U.S.–Japan alliance.Middle East and Taiwan
The chief stated that the United States could resume air strikes on Iran if diplomatic negotiations fail, while arguing that Middle East tensions should not divert attention from Asia‑Pacific security. He dismissed concerns about arms sales to Taiwan, noting that such decisions rest with the U.S. president and that Washington’s stance toward China remains unchanged.
