Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has expressed 'rightful alarm' over China's military build-up in the Pacific, saying the US seeks a regional balance where no state has unchecked power.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth stated that Washington does not aim for 'needless confrontation' in the region.
He emphasized the need for a 'genuinely stable equilibrium' in Asia that benefits both Americans and their allies, adding that this means a 'favourable but durable balance of power' where no state can impose its hegemony.
Hegseth's comments come as the US leads a large delegation to the summit, in contrast to China, which has sent a panel of military experts and scholars instead of its defence minister for the second year running.
