US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning about China’s “imminent” threat to Taiwan while urging Asian nations to increase their defense spending and strengthen alliances with the United States to deter potential conflict. Speaking at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized that while the US does not seek to dominate or provoke China, it will not allow its interests or allies in Asia to be intimidated or sidelined.
Hegseth characterized China as a hegemonic power aiming to dominate large parts of Asia and highlighted the ongoing territorial disputes Beijing has with its neighbors, particularly in the South China Sea. He stressed that China is credibly preparing to use military force to alter the regional balance of power, referencing a 2027 deadline allegedly set by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the military to be capable of invading Taiwan. Although Beijing has never officially confirmed this timeline, US officials have cited it for several years.
“The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent,” Hegseth declared. He warned that any attempt by Communist China to forcibly conquer Taiwan would have devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific region and the world. However, he reiterated that the US does not seek conflict with China, nor does it pursue regime change or encirclement. The message was clear: “We will not be pushed out of this critical region.”
China quickly responded, condemning Hegseth’s speech as “steeped in provocations and instigation.” The Chinese embassy in Singapore accused the US of being the “biggest troublemaker” undermining regional peace and stability, citing American military deployments and surveillance activities in disputed areas. The embassy challenged the US’s self-proclaimed role as a peacekeeper, stating, “We’ve heard it. Let’s see what moves it will take.”
The contrast between US and Chinese engagement was stark at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a key platform for strategic dialogue in Asia. While the US sent one of its largest delegations ever, China significantly downgraded its presence and canceled its scheduled defense minister’s speech. Though no official reason was provided, state media sought to minimize the absence, suggesting it should not be overinterpreted.
Hegseth stressed the necessity of a “strong shield of deterrence” supported by allies, underscoring that deterrence “does not come cheap.” He urged Asian countries to increase defense budgets, drawing parallels to NATO’s demands for European allies to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense—a figure President Trump had pushed to 5%. While some European countries have embraced this target, others have hesitated.
“How can it make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies and partners in Asia spend less in the face of a more formidable threat?” Hegseth questioned. He highlighted China and North Korea as pressing threats and called for Indo-Pacific allies to become “partners, not dependents” of the US.
In addition to encouraging defense spending, Hegseth promoted US military capabilities and revealed a new Indo-Pacific partnership focused on defense industrial resilience. Early projects include establishing a radar repair center in Australia for US maritime patrol aircraft and supporting unmanned drone production in the region.
Economic ties with China also came under scrutiny. Hegseth warned that Beijing’s economic engagement was a tool for “leverage” to deepen “malign influence,” complicating US strategic decisions. This rhetoric echoed broader US concerns about China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its expanding footprint in Asia and beyond.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking the day before, called for Europe to become an ally in Asia’s security architecture. Hegseth responded cautiously, preferring that most European investments remain on the continent, allowing the US to focus on its “comparative advantage” in the Indo-Pacific.
US officials and analysts had mixed reactions. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the administration’s approach as “inconsistent with the values on which our nation was founded,” emphasizing the importance of human rights, international law, and working collaboratively with allies rather than adopting a “patronizing” tone.
Republican representatives Brian Mast and John Moolenaar, part of the US delegation, welcomed the clear message of deterrence, sharing that many Asian countries seek freedom of navigation and respect for their sovereignty but feel intimidated by China’s aggressive behavior.
Expert analysis highlighted the nuanced reality. Ian Chong of the Carnegie China Center noted that calls for increased defense spending are “pretty standard for the US” but that compliance by Asian governments varies. William Choong from the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute pointed out that while Asian countries recognize challenges from China, many maintain cooperative economic ties and have a more measured view of the threat compared to European perceptions of Russia.
Hegseth’s speech, described by some as “ignorant” or “hubristic,” underscores the complexity of US-China competition and the challenges in rallying regional partners amid diverse political and economic interests.
In summary, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s warnings about China’s ambitions and calls for stronger regional defense cooperation highlight the growing strategic tensions in Asia. While the US seeks to reassure allies and deter conflict, balancing these efforts with diplomacy and respect for regional dynamics remains a delicate task. The evolving relationship between China, the US, and Asia’s nations will continue to shape global security in the coming years.
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