KUALA LUMPUR, May 31: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Saturday that Gulf states are essential allies in Washington’s security strategy, stressing that the "America First" policy prioritizes cooperation with global partners to maintain collective security.

Speaking at the opening session of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth reaffirmed that "America First does not mean America alone," citing strong alliances with countries such as the Gulf states, Poland, and the Baltics. The event brought together defense ministers, military leaders, and security experts from 47 nations, including Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

Hegseth underscored the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and highlighted former President Donald Trump's pursuit of a "tough, verifiable" diplomatic agreement. He warned that the failure to deter Iran could result in a regional war, reaffirming Washington’s support for its allies as a path to peace and regional stability.

Criticizing the decline in deterrence during the Biden administration, Hegseth cited the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, rising illegal immigration at the southern border, and increased Chinese espionage as signs of weakening national defense. In contrast, he said the current administration under Trump is focused on peace through strength, based on reviving military ethos, rebuilding armed forces, and restoring deterrence.

He noted that U.S. morale, recruitment, and readiness are improving, with the defense budget projected to exceed USD 1 trillion next year. Hegseth pointed to the Iron Dome missile defense system and enhanced military deployments on the southern border as key security measures.

He also warned against China’s growing geopolitical influence, particularly in the Panama Canal, and pledged that the U.S. would prevent any strategic site from being used against American interests. While reiterating that the U.S. does not seek conflict with China, he stressed that it will not tolerate intimidation or efforts to undermine its allies, especially concerning Taiwan. He cautioned that destabilization in the Taiwan Strait would have severe global consequences.

Hegseth outlined a three-pronged strategy for deterrence: improved forward military positioning, enhanced defense cooperation with allies, and revitalization of U.S. defense industries. He detailed deployments of advanced capabilities in the Philippines, joint training exercises with regional partners, expanded missile defense efforts, and the establishment of a proposed “Maritime Security Union” to boost maritime domain awareness.

The Defense Secretary also highlighted growing collaboration with Japan and India, particularly in defense manufacturing and interoperability, and emphasized the importance of joint military exercises such as Balikatan, Talisman Saber, and Cobra Gold. He further noted the leadership role of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network alongside the Quad countries.

Hegseth concluded by urging allied nations to allocate at least 5 percent of their GDP to defense spending, in line with NATO commitments, stressing that effective deterrence requires full participation from all partners.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted annually in Singapore by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) since 2002, is a premier forum for discussing global and regional defense and security challenges. This year’s summit runs from May 30 to June 1.