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Singapore, May 30 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to increase military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, citing "legitimate concern" over its rapid military buildup.

Speaking in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier forum for defense leaders, senior military officials and diplomats, Hegseth said that having stronger and more self-reliant allies is key to deterrence.

He added, "There is legitimate concern about China's historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond."

"Any dominant power in the Pacific region would upset the regional balance of power," Higseth said. "No country, including China, can impose its hegemony and threaten the security of our nation and our allies."

The defense secretary noted that the United States expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP, while it has pledged to invest $1.5 trillion in its military.

Hegseth stressed that the allies want stability, adding that relations with Beijing are "better than they have been for many years," noting increased contacts between the two countries' militaries.

"We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open channels of communication between the two militaries," he said.

Since the beginning of his second term, US President Donald Trump has called on allies to increase defense spending and has made it clear that European partners and NATO members should reduce their dependence on Washington.

Hegseth said, "The era of the United States funding the defense of rich countries is over. We need partners, not protectorates... We will not have a strong alliance unless everyone shares the risk. There is no room for exploitation."