Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles has stated that the country cannot solely rely on the United States to counter the increasing military capabilities of China in the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Marles highlighted China's extensive military build-up, describing it as the most significant since World War II, and noted the lack of strategic transparency from Beijing in this development.

During his address, Marles welcomed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's assurances concerning the U.S. commitment to its allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Hegseth emphasized the necessity for allied nations to enhance their defense spending, indicating that the U.S. prefers a collaborative defense posture rather than unilateral reliance.

"A strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners is our key strategic advantage," he stated.

Marles responded positively to Hegseth's remarks but emphasized the importance of collective effort: "There is no effective balance of power in this region absent the United States.

But we cannot leave this to the U.S. alone.

Other countries must contribute to this balance as well, including Australia."

Australia's defense budget is projected to rise to 2.33% of GDP by the fiscal year 2033-34, up from the current 2.02%.

However, the Trump administration has urged the Australian government to increase this figure to at least 3%.

In recent discussions, Marles noted that Australia recognizes the U.S. expectations for its allies to invest more in their own defense capabilities.

Moreover, Hegseth addressed the heightened threat posed by China, particularly regarding its stance on Taiwan.

He characterized China's recent military exercises around Taiwan as preparation for potential military action, asserting that any move to change the status quo would lead to severe repercussions for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

While the U.S. President has downplayed the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan during his term, concerns about China's military ambitions remain prominent among regional allies.

Marles also advocated for a renewed focus on nuclear arms control, pointing to Russia's recent actions and China's ongoing development of its nuclear arsenal.

"New technologies require a transformation in our approaches to arms control," he remarked, emphasizing that traditional frameworks are becoming outdated.

In light of the complex security landscape, Marles called for a more integrated approach to international arms control that considers technological developments and the shifting balance of power due to increasing military capabilities of nations like China and Russia.