On Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a blunt message at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore: America's allies need to start pulling their weight, and China should think twice about flexing its muscles in the region.

Hegseth said Washington wants a stronger network of allies capable of sharing more of the security burden instead of relying disproportionately on American military power, according to CNBC. "For too long, the security of this region has rested disproportionately on American military power, while many of our allies and partners allowed their own defense capabilities to atrophy," Hegseth said.

He set a clear target: allies and partners should spend 3.5% of GDP on defense. Those that step up will get perks like faster arms sales, expanded intelligence sharing, and deeper defense-industrial cooperation. But for those that don't? "Allies who refuse to step up and carry their own weight for our collective defense will face a clear shift in how we do business," he warned.

Hegseth praised several countries for doing more, including the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. He also highlighted India and Vietnam for improving their military readiness.

On China, Hegseth was equally direct. He called China the primary long-term strategic challenge in the region and said Washington seeks "a favorable but durable balance of power" where no country can dominate its neighbors. He noted there is "rightful alarm" across the Asia-Pacific over China's military expansion and growing regional activities. "While a decent peace is our goal, make no mistake, America is a Pacific nation," Hegseth said. "We insist that China respect our longstanding position in the region."

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump cautioned Taipei against assuming unconditional U.S. military support while urging restraint from both sides after his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.