US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning to the Asia-Pacific and the world during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, asserting that China’s ambitions regarding Taiwan threaten global peace and require more robust defense commitments from allies and partners. Hegseth emphasized that there is no room for complacency, stating, “The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent.” He expressed concerns that Beijing is preparing to potentially use military force to change the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, noting that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is training daily for possible military action against Taiwan.
Hegseth highlighted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has mandated the military to be ready for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. This democratic island, with a population of 23 million, is claimed by the Chinese Communist Party, despite never having been governed by it. The Defense Secretary pointed out that the PLA is actively developing the necessary military capabilities and preparing for real combat scenarios.
He called on US allies in the region to unite against Beijing, stressing the importance of standing together on the Taiwan issue and other regional conflicts where China is assertive, such as in the South China Sea. “China’s behavior towards its neighbors and the world is a wake-up call. And an urgent one,” he asserted, urging that the United States cannot counter the Chinese threat alone. He said it is essential for other nations to act as “force multipliers” in bolstering defensive measures.
With this in mind, Hegseth urged Asian nations to increase their defense spending, referencing NATO allies who have ramped up their investment to 5% of gross domestic product. He asked, “So it doesn’t make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies in Asia spend less on defense in the face of an even more formidable threat, not to mention North Korea.”
While making it clear that Washington does not seek conflict with China, Hegseth underscored that the Trump administration would not tolerate aggression from Beijing, declaring, “We will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies be subordinated and intimidated.” His remarks add to the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, which have intensified following recent economic disputes, including significant tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this year.
Historically, the Shangri-La Dialogue has served as a platform where defense leaders from the U.S. and China could engage in informal discussions to foster dialogue between the two nations. However, no such meetings are anticipated this year, as China has confirmed it will only send a low-level delegation instead of its defense minister, who has been a consistent presence at previous forums.
At a recent press conference, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson evaded questions about the absence of their minister from the event but conveyed that China remains “open to communication at all levels.” Hegseth’s call for cooperative efforts to deter China aligns with a strategy that has largely been consistent across U.S. administrations, particularly in countering Chinese influence and supporting Taiwan.
Analysts note that U.S.-led military exercises in the region, involving key allies such as Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and South Korea, have not only continued but have been strengthened this year.
Original Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/asia/us-hegseth-defense-china-threat-shangri-la-intl-hnk
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Publish Date: 2025-05-31 08:32:00
