US Not Turning Away from Asia Despite Global Conflicts: Hegseth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reassured Asia-Pacific allies that Washington remains firmly committed to the region despite growing global security obligations, including tensions involving Iran.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth rejected suggestions that the United States was shifting its focus away from Asia.

“People want to conflate that we have global obligations with the turning of our backs to this region,” he said. “That is not the case.”

Hegseth said the US national defense strategy continues to prioritize “power projection” in the Indo-Pacific and deeper cooperation with regional allies.

His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who warned that some countries may attempt to weaken ties between the US and its regional partners.

The US defense chief also sought to reassure allies about Washington’s commitment to fulfilling defense agreements, including arms deals, amid concerns over a suspended weapons package for Taiwan.

While warning about China’s expanding military presence in the region, Hegseth said the US was seeking to avoid “needless confrontation” with Beijing. Agency