The great Indo-Pacific hedge – deeper defence ties as US doubts grow and China ascends

Synopsis Nations in the Indo-Pacific are boosting their defense capabilities and cooperation. This is happening as China’s military grows and the United States’ regional focus is questioned. Countries are strengthening ties with each other, aiming to share security burdens. Japan is becoming a key hub for this expanded regional collaboration. SINGAPORE: Caught between China’s rapid military rise and growing doubts about the U.S. focus on a region it has long dominated, Indo-Pacific nations are racing to arm themselves, and each other. At Asia’s premier defence forum on Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pressed regional partners to shoulder more of…