Hegseth warns New ZealandHegseth warns New Zealand on defence spending in Indo-Pacific talks
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke in the Indo-Pacific on Saturday, warning that New Zealand and other allies need to spend more on defence as Washington pushes for a stronger regional posture.
His remarks came as a US senator also highlighted security risks in the region, underscoring continuing tension over how allies should share the burden of deterrence.
US Perspective
Hegseth framed higher defence spending as necessary for allied credibility and for deterring pressure in the Indo-Pacific. He also argued that Washington wants partners to take a larger share of the security burden rather than rely on the United States.
New Zealand Perspective
New Zealand has already announced plans to lift defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP, which the US side still described as too low. From Wellington's point of view, the increase signals an effort to respond to alliance concerns while balancing other domestic priorities.
- New Zealand is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network.
- The Indo-Pacific concept grew in prominence as China’s maritime reach expanded.
- US defence debates in the region often center on ships, missiles, and access to forward bases.
US-China Indo-Pacific Rivalry
China and Taiwan coast guard vessels have repeatedly faced off near the Pratas Islands, with the latest standoff showing how small maritime incidents around Taiwan can quickly become confrontations.[1][5] The episode adds to wider U.S.-China military tension across the Indo-Pacific, where Beijing is expanding patrols and Washington is reinforcing regional deterrence.[2][3] The rivalry now centers on preventing miscalculation around Taiwan, the South China Sea, and nearby sea lanes.[1][3][5] It also shapes defense planning by Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States as all sides weigh coercion, sovereignty claims, and the risk of escalation.[2][3]
24 May, 07:39 AM
Taiwan and China coast guards face off near Pratas islands1 January
The United States adopts a sharper great-power competition strategy focused on China
