seniorspectrumnewspaper – US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning about China’s growing military threat to Taiwan during the Shangri-la Dialogue, a high-level Asian defense summit in Singapore. He described China as preparing to use military force to change the balance of power in Asia, citing a 2027 deadline allegedly set by President Xi Jinping for invading Taiwan. While Beijing has never confirmed this timeline. Hegseth emphasized that China is daily building and training the military capabilities required for such an invasion. He called the threat “real and potentially imminent,” stressing the devastating global consequences that would follow any Chinese attempt to conquer Taiwan by force.
Hegseth urged Asian countries to increase their defense budgets and strengthen partnerships with the United States to deter conflict. He highlighted how Europe, under pressure from former US President Donald Trump, is ramping up defense spending to counter threats. By contrast, many Indo-Pacific nations currently spend less despite facing significant risks, including from North Korea and China. Hegseth urged these countries to become “partners, not dependents,” in regional security and outlined new US initiatives. Such as establishing a radar repair center in Australia and supporting drone production, to build defense resilience in the Indo-Pacific.
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China Accuses US of Provocation, Diminishes Presence at Dialogue
In response to Hegseth’s remarks, China strongly condemned the speech, accusing the US of being the primary disruptor of regional peace. The Chinese embassy in Singapore described the US as a “troublemaker” due to its deployment of offensive weapons in the South China Sea and reconnaissance activities near Chinese islands. It criticized the US for sowing “uncertainty” under the guise of safeguarding peace and questioned America’s true intentions.
China’s delegation at the Shangri-la Dialogue was noticeably lower-level this year, and its defense minister canceled a planned speech, a move that fueled speculation about Beijing’s stance. State media sought to minimize the significance of this absence, citing an anonymous expert who said it should not be overinterpreted. This contrast with the US’s large delegation underscored rising tensions and Beijing’s more cautious public posture during the summit.
US Emphasizes Deterrence Through Alliances, Warns Against Economic Leverage
Hegseth stressed the importance of creating a robust deterrence shield alongside Asian allies to prevent war. He cautioned that effective deterrence requires increased defense investment and warned that economic ties with China risk providing Beijing leverage to influence regional security decisions negatively. The US Secretary of Defense argued that economic dependency on China could complicate efforts to counter China’s military ambitions.
He also responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for European involvement in Asia’s security by stating the US preferred Europe to focus on its continent. This approach would allow the US to maintain its strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific. China’s embassy criticized this stance, questioning the US’s commitment to other regions while pushing European allies to increase their defense spending amid global trade tensions and tariffs.
US Shifts to Pragmatic Foreign Policy, Draws Criticism from Democrats
Hegseth outlined a shift in US foreign policy under President Trump, emphasizing pragmatism and common sense over ideological pressure. He rejected moralistic approaches, stating the US does not seek permanent enemies or to impose its will on other countries. Instead, he portrayed the US as focusing on strategic partnerships without preaching on climate or cultural issues.
This approach faced pushback from Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, who called Hegseth’s tone patronizing and inconsistent with American values. She stressed the importance of standing for human rights and international law, warning that abandoning these principles would be “un-American.” Duckworth argued that the US should support allies without forcing them to choose exclusively between America and China.
Asian Reactions Mixed, Experts Highlight Regional Nuances
Several US Republican lawmakers attending the summit reported that many Asian countries welcome America’s presence amid fears of Chinese aggression. They noted regional desires for freedom of navigation and respect among neighbors but expressed concern over China’s assertiveness. However, experts suggest that calls for increased defense spending face mixed responses in Asia. Many countries view China’s threat differently than Europeans view Russia, balancing caution with ongoing economic and diplomatic cooperation with Beijing.
Analysts like Ian Chong describe the US demand for higher defense budgets as “standard” but note it remains uncertain how many Asian governments will comply fully. William Choong points out that while the South China Sea disputes are a concern, most Asian nations prefer working with China on broader issues. He critiques Hegseth’s warnings as overly alarmist and dismissive of regional realities, calling them either ignorant or hubristic. This nuanced perspective highlights the complex balancing act faced by Asian countries amid rising US-China rivalry.
