Pentagon chief warns of imminent threat from China in Asia
The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, during his speech in Singapore, warned that China may be preparing to use military force in the Asia-Pacific region. He called on Indo-Pacific allies to increase defence spending, emphasising that the threat from China is real and could be imminent.
What do you need to know?
- The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, warned at the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore that China may be preparing to use military force in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Hegseth called on Indo-Pacific allies to increase defence spending, emphasising that the threat from China is real and could be imminent.
- Washington is strengthening cooperation with traditional allies such as Japan and the Philippines, and enhancing ties with India.
"The threat from China is real and could be imminent," Hegseth warned in his first speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the largest Asian security and defence forum. He added that Beijing "aims to dominate and control" the region and "trains its troops daily" for an invasion of Taiwan, which it claims as its territory and against which it is increasing military pressure, announcing "reunification".
America focuses on the Indo-Pacific
In response to these actions, the United States has recognised the region as a priority area and is shifting its strategy to deter any aggression from communist China. Washington has tightened cooperation with traditional allies such as Japan and the Philippines and strengthened relations with India. Hegseth emphasised that America is proud to return to the Indo-Pacific and intends to remain there.
During his speech, the Pentagon chief noted the absence of Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun from the forum. This is the first such instance since 2019. Instead of a high-ranking official, Beijing sent only an academic delegation.
Increased defence spending
The US Secretary of Defense called on allies to increase defence spending, citing the example of Europe, which improved its defensive capabilities thanks to pressure from President Trump. Hegseth stated that what Europe is doing should become a model for Asia, emphasising that key allies in Asia should not spend less on defence in the face of a more formidable threat.
A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the organiser of the Shangri-La Dialogue, indicates an increase in arms spending in Asia, although the average for the region is 1.5% of GDP. Hegseth noted that Washington can focus on the threat from China if Europeans take better care of their security.
"We are not here to lecture you about climate change or cultural issues. We sincerely respect you and want to work with you where our common interests align," he said.
The three-day forum, which began on Friday, is attended by representatives from 47 countries, including defence ministers, diplomats, and security specialists. This event has been organised by the IISS since 2002.
