• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reassure Asian allies at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
• Hegseth argues the US is a more trusted partner than China.
• His remarks come amid uncertainty regarding the Trump administration’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
• Key attendance includes French President Macron and US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.
• Senator Tammy Duckworth expresses skepticism about Hegseth’s capabilities as Defense Secretary.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to address Asian defense leaders at the Shangri-La Dialogue this weekend, aiming to convince them that the United States is a more trusted partner than China, amid lingering doubts regarding the Trump administration's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth's remarks will encompass US defense policy and he is expected to utilize the absence of Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun to emphasize US reliability, according to South China Morning Post, The Jakarta Post, and Reuters.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is a significant event in global security, running from May 31 to June 1 and attended by defense ministers, military officials, and diplomats. French President Emmanuel Macron is delivering the keynote address, adding to the event's prominence. Hegseth's speech will follow a period during which President Trump has notably criticized traditional allies, creating a backdrop of uncertainty regarding US commitments, as discussed by multiple sources including South China Morning Post and The Jakarta Post.

Hegseth’s recent focus has primarily revolved around domestic issues within the military, particularly tackling diversity initiatives while preparing this international address. During his trip to the Philippines and Japan earlier this year, he reinforced traditional ally importance, yet observers remain cautious about whether his presentation will reflect a commitment to collaborative security or a harder Trump-era stance. This sentiment were expressed by Ely Ratner, a former senior Pentagon official, as noted by Reuters.

Additionally, Hegseth has faced scrutiny for sharing sensitive military plans, which has contributed to a perception of instability around his leadership. Despite this, analysts like Greg Poling suggest that Asian allies, particularly the Philippines, feel reassured compared to their European counterparts. However, concerns linger, as articulated by Senator Tammy Duckworth, who will be part of a bipartisan delegation aimed at conveying US commitment to Asian allies. Duckworth openly criticized Hegseth’s competency based on his media background and his rise to Secretary of Defense, according to South China Morning Post, The Jakarta Post, and Reuters.