The US defense secretary spoke at a security meeting in Singapore

The United States has a new defense leader. His name is Pete Hegseth. He went to Singapore this week for an important meeting.

Many Asian countries have questions. They want to know: Does the US still care about Asia? Will America help us? These are big questions for many nations.

Hegseth gave a clear answer. He said yes, the United States is still here. America will not leave Asia. The US will keep working with countries like South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. These are close friends of America.

But Hegseth also said something important. Asian countries must do more themselves. They must spend more money on their own armies. They must buy more weapons. They must train their soldiers better. America will help, but it cannot do everything.

Why does America say this? The world is changing. China is becoming very strong. Asia has many small countries. These small countries are worried. They need strong armies to protect themselves.

Hegseth explained the idea simply. The United States is like a good friend. A good friend helps you. But a good friend also wants you to be strong. A good friend does not do everything for you. So Asian countries must work harder. They must become stronger.

This message is clear. America will stay in Asia. America will buy weapons for Asian countries. America will teach soldiers. But Asian countries must also help themselves. They must spend money. They must work hard. This is how real friendship works.

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.