US Pentagon chief Hegseth kicks off second day of Shangri-La Dialogue

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth kicked off on Saturday the second day of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore by delivering a plenary address on the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. Hegseth stressed that while alliances are critical, partners need to carry their weight, warning that "allies who refuse to step up and carry their own weight will face a clear shift in how we do business".

Hegseth reiterated the mantra, "those who long for peace, must prepare for war," insisting that peace is guaranteed through manifest military strength rather than empty conferences. He also held a series of sideline talks with defense counterparts from Viet Nam, Thailand, and other partner nations to discuss maritime security cooperation and unmanned capabilities.