At Asia's top security summit, the U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth aims to restore confidence among allies amid rising regional competition with China.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to make his debut at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he will try to convince Asian allies that Washington is a more reliable partner than Beijing. His speech, expected on Saturday, will lay out the Trump administration’s vision for Indo-Pacific defence policy. Hegseth’s approach has stirred debate, both for his focus on domestic military culture wars and his controversial foreign policy rhetoric.
His appearance comes as China’s defence minister is expected to skip the event, giving Hegseth a key opportunity to shape the regional narrative. Despite skepticism from some allies and lawmakers, the U.S. message at the forum will center on “peace through strength” and partnership, as tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to grow.
Read next
08:00
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
07:00
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
06:00
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
05:00
NATO needs to evolve to meet today’s changing world, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Friday.
04:00
Pakistan has nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for his "diplomatic role and leadership" during the recent crisis with India.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment