Kuwait City: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Saturday that Gulf States are key allies, highlighting that the "America First" policy focuses on collaboration with allies, including the Gulf, to ensure shared security. This came during his remarks at the first session of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, with participation of Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, defense ministers, military leaders, and security experts from 47 countries.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Hegseth stressed the US commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and underscored President Trump's efforts for a verifiable, strict diplomatic agreement. Hegseth also warned that the alternative would be a regional war or worse, affirming the US dedication to achieving peace and stability in the region through support for allies and deterrence of growing threats.
He criticized the decline of deterrence under President Biden's administration, highlighting the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and rising illegal immigration across the US southern border, along with Chinese espionage.
Hegseth emphasized that the current administration, under Trump, focuses on achieving peace through strength, with three main objectives: restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence.
He pointed out that morale, recruitment, readiness, and defense capabilities are rising, with next year's defense budget exceeding USD one trillion. He mentioned initiatives like the "Iron Dome" missile defense system and bolstered military presence on the southern border. Additionally, he warned against Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, pledging to restore US control over the strategic site.
Hegseth clarified that the US does not seek conflict with China but will not allow itself or its allies to be intimidated or subordinated. He stressed that any Chinese attempt to disrupt the balance of power, especially over Taiwan, would have catastrophic global consequences.
Hegseth reiterated that deterrence begins domestically and must also be built with allies, stating that the US is working on a three-pronged deterrence strategy: improving forward positioning, strengthening allies' defense capabilities, and rebuilding defense industries.
The US has deployed advanced capabilities in the Philippines and is conducting joint exercises there, adding, it is also cooperating with Japan to enhance US forces' readiness, along with expanding missile defense initiatives and establishing a "Maritime Security Union" for advanced maritime awareness.
Hegseth underscored that the US leads the "Indo-Pacific Logistics Network" with Quad countries and is conducting major military drills, such as Balikatan, Talisman Saber, and Cobra Gold. He also highlighted growing defense cooperation with India, particularly in defense manufacturing and operational alignment.
He concluded by urging allies to invest 5 percent of GDP in defense, similar to NATO commitments, and emphasized the need for allies to fully contribute to deterrence efforts. The Shangri-La Dialogue, the Asian Security Summit, hosted by Singapore from May 30 to June 1, an annual event since 2002, organized by IISS to address global security and defense issues.