The United States has called on Southeast Asian nations to increase their defence spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's military expansion. However, analysts argue that this demand is unrealistic as countries in the region prioritize domestic needs such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the need for greater military capabilities, warning of China's rapid military build-up. Despite some countries like Myanmar and Brunei already spending a significant portion of their GDP on defence, most Southeast Asian nations are far from meeting the US target. Economic pressures, including the ongoing Iran war, further complicate budget allocations. Analysts caution that the US's demands may push some nations closer to China, which is viewed by some as a key trading partner rather than a threat. The region's diverse perspectives on China complicate the US's strategic approach, as countries navigate their relationships with both superpowers while managing their own development priorities.