At the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a sobering assessment of China's intentions toward Taiwan. Addressing defense leaders, military representatives, and diplomats from Asia on Saturday, Hegseth characterized the threat from Beijing as potentially “imminent,” urging nations in the Indo-Pacific region to ramp up their defense expenditure in response to China's expanding military might.
Secretary Hegseth's remarks come amid escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing considering Taiwan a breakaway province and threatening to use force to achieve "reunification." Taiwan, however, maintains its stance as a democratic and self-governing island, rejecting China's sovereignty claims and insisting on its people's right to determine their future. Hegseth accused Chinese President Xi Jinping of preparing to militarily alter the Indo-Pacific power balance, stating, “It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force.”
The Trump administration has repeatedly stressed the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, with Hegseth reinforcing President Trump’s promise that an invasion of Taiwan will not occur on his watch. His stark warning resonates against the backdrop of recent Chinese military exercises and political maneuvers aimed at asserting dominance over Taiwan.
The US Defense Secretary also criticized European allies for inadequate defense spending, contrasting them with NATO members who have pledged to increase their military budgets, including a notable commitment from Germany to spend 5% of GDP on defense. Hegseth suggested that by focusing on security within their own continent, European countries would enable the US to concentrate on the China threat in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite Hegseth's firm stance, the atmosphere at the Singapore summit remained relatively friendly, even as regional partners expressed unease over the call to boost defense capabilities. Notably absent from the forum was China's Defense Minister Dong Jun; Beijing instead sent an academic delegation.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat present at the dialogue, criticized Hegseth's tone toward Indo-Pacific allies as “patronizing,” despite his assurance of commitment to the region. Hegseth concluded his remarks by reaffirming the US's respect for the traditions and militaries of Indo-Pacific nations and the desire to work collaboratively on common security goals.
The message from Hegseth coincides with the US's controversial redeployment of air defense systems from Asia to the Middle East earlier this year, which stoked doubts about America's commitment to Indo-Pacific security. However, Hegseth's assertive communication at the summit underscores a clear US intention to confront and contain China's military aspirations, particularly regarding Taiwan.
