Hegseth praises Germany: New US strategy against China in the Indo-Pacific!

Hegseth praises Germany: New US strategy against China in the Indo-Pacific!

At this year's Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2025, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave an impressive keynote speech. In his lecture, he emphasized the USA's firm intention to remain present in the Indo-Pacific and to actively counter China's military ambitions. What was surprising was the absence of the Chinese Defense Minister and numerous other high-ranking politicians from Beijing, which can be seen as a sign of growing tensions in the region.

Hegseth outlined a new security strategy for Asia based on three key pillars: moving combat-ready U.S. troops closer to China, strengthening defense industries through partnerships and increasing interoperability with allies such as Japan, Australia, India and the Philippines. A central element of this strategy is the introduction of thePIPER program, which involves 14 partner states and is intended to promote industrial resilience in the Indo-Pacific.

Focus on collaboration

An essential part of the new strategy are measures to promote regional cooperation. These include a maintenance center for the P-8 radar system in Australia, the unification of drone technologies, as well as regional repair capabilities for military watercraft and the localization of ammunition production. Through such initiatives, the US government hopes to strengthen the defense capabilities of its partners and ensure the strategic balance in the region.

Hegseth also announced new weapons systems in the Philippines and emphasized the upgrade of the US headquarters in Japan. A test of a medium-range missile system in Australia is intended to further increase defense readiness. Regular military maneuvers are also being planned together with the Allies in order to improve the interaction between the troops. Hegseth was critical of China's military ambitions, particularly with regard to Taiwan, and made it clear that the US does not want to cause a conflict, but is nevertheless unwilling to be driven out of the region.

Responsibility of the European partners

Particularly noteworthy is the praise that Hegseth paid to Germany. He referred to the planned increase in defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product, which is seen as a positive step towards strengthening the transatlantic defense alliance. This is particularly significant in a context where European partners are being asked to take greater responsibility for their own security. The discussion about a common security architecture is becoming increasingly urgent, especially in view of the current geopolitical challenges.

The analysis of SWP shows that the security architecture in the Indo-Pacific is complex and that there are various explanations for the lack of a multilateral defense system. On the one hand, there is a power asymmetry between the USA and Asian partners, and on the other hand, the resistance of Asian elites to a US-led collective security system. The clash of different interests makes it difficult to establish a coherent security order in the region.

Given President Xi Jinping's recent comments outlining ideas for reshaping the global security order in 2014, and China's continued military activities in the Indo-Pacific, it is critical that the United States and its allies work together. This could effectively address the challenges posed by China's aspirations. At a time when the Arbitration Court has declared China's claims in the South China Sea to be incompatible with international law, dialogue and cooperation between partners remains of great importance.