US seeks ‘stable equilibrium’ with China in Asia, says Hegseth

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday said that Washington is seeking a “stable equilibrium” with China in Asia, while expressing concern over Beijing’s growing military capabilities and expanding regional activities.

According to an AFP report, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Hegseth said that there was “rightful alarm” across the region regarding China’s military build-up.

However, he stressed that the United States was not looking for unnecessary confrontation and instead wanted a durable balance of power that would ensure security and prosperity for both the US and its allies.

The annual Shangri La forum brings together defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries. Hegseth’s remarks marked a noticeable shift from his confrontational statement at last year’s event, when he described China as a potentially imminent security threat.

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Call for engagement with Beijing

Hegseth said that the US remains committed to engaging with China in a respectful and constructive manner. He added that Washington seeks a regional order in which no country, including China, can dominate others or threaten the security of neighbouring states.

According to the report, China did not send defence minister Dong Jun to this year’s forum, opting instead to dispatch a delegation of military scholars and experts led by Major General Meng Xiangqing of the National Defense University.

Hegseth said that he would have welcomed the opportunity to meet his Chinese counterpart at the conference and expressed hope for future opportunities to engage directly.

Taiwan remains a key issue

The Pentagon chief also addressed the issue of Taiwan, following US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China. During the trip, Trump highlighted trade ties between the two countries and suggested that future US arms sales to Taiwan could potentially be part of broader discussions with Beijing.

Hegseth said that there had been no change in Washington’s policy towards Taiwan. However, he noted that decisions regarding future arms sales would ultimately rest with President Trump.

Analysts have noted that China’s decision not to send its defence minister comes at a time when several major regional security issues remain under discussion, including tensions surrounding Taiwan and developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Defence spending and Iran concerns

Hegseth also renewed calls for US allies to increase their defence spending. He praised countries such as South Korea, Japan, Australia and the Philippines for strengthening their security commitments, while warning that nations relying heavily on American support should contribute more to collective defence efforts.

His remarks came as uncertainty continued over a possible agreement between the US and Iran to formally end recent hostilities. While negotiations remain ongoing, Hegseth said that Washington retained the capability to resume military operations if necessary.

On the sidelines of the forum, Hegseth is expected to hold talks with his British and Australian counterparts under the AUKUS security partnership. Reports have suggested that the three countries could announce a new defence project involving advanced undersea technologies, including uncrewed underwater vehicles.