US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to boost their military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region.
Hegseth warned of 'rightful alarm' over China's rapid military buildup and expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond.
He stressed that a stronger, more self-reliant network of allies is essential to deter aggression and preserve the balance of power.
The US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP, as it pledged a $1.5 trillion investment in its military.
Hegseth also struck a measured tone on US-China ties, saying relations are 'better than they have been in many years', with more frequent military-to-military engagement helping to manage tensions.
