US defence secretary Pete Hegseth compares Trump to Lee Kuan Yew, calls both 'historic men'

On May 31, United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth spoke at the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue, elaborating on the Indo-Pacific strategy of the U.S.

During his speech, Hegseth talked about what the U.S. was doing in the domestic area, before expanding to their approach overseas, and their involvement in the Indo-Pacific.

Describing their approach, Hegseth said U.S. is "here to stay" in the Indo-Pacific, before taking a seeming dig at China.

"We are here this morning, somebody else isn't," he said.

However, he added that the U.S does not seek conflict with China.

"We will not instigate nor seek to subjugate or humiliate. President Trump and the American people have an immense respect for the Chinese people and their civilisation."

He quickly added that despite all that, the U.S. will not be pushed out of Indo-Pacific.

Hegseth then spoke about China's actions in the South China Sea, echoing the video published by the U.S. embassy in Singapore on May 20. He also referenced Trump's comments that China will not invade Taiwan under the president's watch.

He said the U.S. had long been distracted by "costly diversions" in other areas of the world that were not tied to "vital, core American interests".

Hegseth then said U.S. was done with that approach.

He said the new administration is focused on "delivering for the American people" and using "common sense" to preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Lee Kuan Yew

He then turned his attention to Singapore.

Hegseth said Trump's approach was similar to Singapore's Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's "pragmatic style". He also described Lee as legendary.

"Across three decades, he built this country into one of the world's most important hubs of finance and innovation. Like the late prime minister, President Trump's approach is grounded in common sense and national interests."

Hegseth said their approaches were both built on a willingness to work with others while respecting mutual self-interest.

He said their actions were informed by an understanding of military strength but shaped by a preference for engagement in "commerce and sovereignty, not war".

Calling both "historic men", he said both challenge old ways of doing things that no longer make sense.

He concluded his speech by referencing Lee again.

"So as I conclude, it is with sage leadership and strategic vision and a sense of urgency that Lee Kuan Yew turned Singapore into one of the world's great success stories. Many call it the Singapore miracle. That's what common sense policies can achieve, and that's precisely what President Trump's vision is all about."

Image from IISS YouTube/ Trump White House/National Archives of Singapore