Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

U.S. Calls for 5% Defense Spending, Sparks China Outcry

6/3/2025

25 3

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue has sparked controversy, as he called for Asian allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and enhance U.S. military presence. China swiftly condemned his comments, accusing them of fostering division, while experts caution that this could signal a troubling trend of U.S. expansionism and militarism in the region.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue has sparked controversy, as he called for Asian allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and enhance U.S. military presence. China swiftly condemned his comments, accusing them of fostering division, while experts caution that this could signal a troubling trend of U.S. expansionism and militarism in the region.