SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - MAY 30: U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks during the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La Hotel on May 30, 2026 in Singapore. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) Ezra Acayan | Getty Images News | Getty Images The U.S. aims to sustain equilibrium in the Asia-Pacific region and is working toward a situation in which its allies are more capable, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said, while also warning China not to disrupt the status quo. "The bedrock of partnership is alignment on national interests," Hegseth said in remarks at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday. The U.S. will take a "strong, quiet, clear" approach to alliances, he said. He praised countries such as the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for stepping up and sharing the burdens of defense and alliances. Vietnam and India also received call-outs to improve their military readiness.…