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Hegseth Calls 3.5% Defense Spend, Flags China, Taiwan Sale

6/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allies to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, 2026.
He said the United States is committing $1.5 trillion to its own forces, warned of a “rightful alarm” over China’s rapid buildup, and said it stands ready to resume strikes on Iran if talks fail.
He added that President Donald Trump will decide on a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

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Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allies to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, 2026.
He said the United States is committing $1.5 trillion to its own forces, warned of a “rightful alarm” over China’s rapid buildup, and said it stands ready to resume strikes on Iran if talks fail.
He added that President Donald Trump will decide on a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.