During the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed military leaders from Asia, asserting that the United States would prioritize its most committed partners for support. He highlighted that countries must demonstrate their own defense capabilities to secure U.S. assistance, particularly in the context of countering China's growing influence. Hegseth declared that the U.S. would no longer subsidize the defense of wealthy nations, marking a shift in American foreign policy. While he reassured allies of continued U.S. engagement, he also noted that support would be conditional. Notably, Hegseth avoided contentious topics such as Taiwan and the impact of the Iran conflict, instead promoting a philosophy of 'big stick, speak softly' to emphasize a pragmatic and disciplined approach to defense cooperation. He underscored the importance of lethal capabilities and strategic partnerships over mere rhetoric, indicating a clear message to Asian nations about the need for self-reliance in defense matters.