US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue. (Photo: VOV)

"America is proud to be back in the Indo-Pacific -- and we're here to stay," Hegseth said in his first speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats.

He stressed the importance of ensuring lasting alliances and partnerships in the region. He also reaffirmed the US’s commitment to supporting its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, like Japan and the Philippines, by "helping allies and partners strengthen their defense capabilities.”

The Defense Secretary also discussed cybersecurity, outer space security, and maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.