US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised South Korea's plans to raise its military spending, saying on Tuesday that Seoul will take a larger role in defending itself from North Korean aggression as the allies must brace for regional contingencies.

After annual security talks with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul, Hegseth said he was “greatly encouraged" by Seoul's commitment to increase defence spending and make greater investments in South Korean capabilities.

He said the two agreed the investments would bolster Seoul's ability to lead its conventional deterrence and defence against Pyongyang.

“We face, as we both acknowledge, a dangerous security environment but our alliance is stronger than ever," Hegseth said.

In a speech at parliament earlier on Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung asked lawmakers to approve an 8.2 percent increase in defence spending next year, which he said would help modernise the South Korean military's weapons systems and reduce its reliance on the United States. (AP)