ERJ-175 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence on a visual approach to SEA in trail of a B737. ATC insistence on speed adherence was cited as contributing.

Narrative

On ILS approach to 34L ATC asked if we had Aircraft Y in sight 2.5 NM away. We did and were cleared to follow Aircraft Y and cleared for the visual approach speed 160kts to JALON. We then began to get too close to Aircraft Y within in 2 NM-1.5 NM horizontal distance per what we could see from inside the airplane. Decided to slow (150kts) to adhere to our follow/visual clearance. ATC then asked our speed and told us to return to 160kt. We told ATC it was for spacing issues and ATC was adamant that we return to 160kts and that the spacing was fine. Returned to 160kts (even though spacing was now the flight crew's responsibility). As a result; on short final; we encountered some wake turbulence from the 737. The approach was stabilized and uneventful. Cause: ATC issuing a follow proceeding aircraft/visual clearance and then providing/demanding speed from the Flight Crew. Per the AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual) for ATC under 4-1-1 A pilot's acceptance of instructions to follow another aircraft or provide visual separation from it is an acknowledgment that the pilot will maneuver the aircraft as necessary to avoid the other aircraft or to maintain in-trail separation. In operations conducted behind heavy aircraft; or a small aircraft behind a B757 or other large aircraft; it is also an acknowledgment that the pilot accepts the responsibility for wake turbulence separation." In short when ATC gives a follow clearance the give the responsibility and the flight crew accepts the responsibility of maintaining proper spacing. For ATC to demand a speed up from an aircraft that is now responsible for its own spacing is unacceptable.Suggestions: If ATC wants to remain control of spacing between aircraft; they should not give an aircraft a follow traffic clearance"