The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has cautioned that China is “credibly preparing” to utilize military force to disrupt the balance of power in Asia, asserting that the United States is “here to stay” in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth’s comments came during an annual security forum in Singapore, amid ongoing tensions between the administration of US President Donald Trump and Beijing over trade, technology, and geopolitical influence.
Since assuming office in January, President Trump has initiated a trade conflict with China, aimed to limit its access to essential AI technologies, and strengthened security relations with allies like the Philippines, which is currently embroiled in escalating territorial disputes with China.
“The threat from China is genuine and could be imminent,” Hegseth stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue, which was attended by defense officials worldwide.
He warned that the Chinese military is enhancing its capabilities to invade Taiwan and is actively “rehearsing for the real deal.”
Watch: Pete Hegseth on China’s military preparations in Asia
Beijing has intensified military pressure on Taiwan and conducted multiple large-scale exercises near the island, which are often interpreted as preparations for a blockade or invasion.
Hegseth declared that the United States is “reorienting toward deterring aggression from communist China,” urging US allies and partners in Asia to rapidly enhance their defenses in light of increasing threats.
‘Wake-up call’
He described China’s actions as a “wake-up call,” accusing Beijing of endangering lives through cyberattacks, harassing neighboring countries, and “illegally seizing and militarizing territories” in the South China Sea.
China claims nearly the entirety of the disputed waterway, which is pivotal for over 60% of global maritime trade, despite an international ruling deeming its claims invalid.
In recent months, there have been numerous confrontations with the Philippines in these strategic waters, an issue that is expected to dominate discussions at the Singapore defense forum, according to US officials.
While Hegseth spoke in Singapore, China’s military reported that its navy and air force were executing routine “combat readiness patrols” around Scarborough Shoal, a chain of reefs contested with the Philippines.
Casey Mace, charge d’affaires at the US embassy in Singapore, remarked, “China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea has only escalated in recent years,” emphasizing the need for discussions at this type of forum.
China did not send senior defense ministry officials to the summit, opting instead to send a delegation from the People’s Liberation Army National Defence University.
Hegseth’s strong address received critical responses from Chinese analysts at the conference.
Da Wei, director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, characterized the speech as “very unfriendly” and “very confrontational,” accusing Washington of hypocrisy in demanding respect for neighbors while intimidating its own, including Canada and Greenland.
Former Senior Colonel Zhou Bo from Tsinghua University remarked that military drills do not imply an intention to invade Taiwan, stating the government desires “peaceful reunification.”
These comments followed Trump’s provocation of new trade tensions with China, claiming that Beijing had “violated” an agreement to de-escalate tariffs as negotiations appeared stalled.
The two largest economies had consented to temporarily reduce the exorbitant tariffs imposed on each other for 90 days.
‘Priority theatre’
Hegseth emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is “America’s priority theatre,” pledging to ensure that “China cannot dominate us or our allies and partners.”
He noted increased cooperation with allies, including the Philippines and Japan, and reiterated Trump’s assurance that “China will not invade Taiwan on his watch.”
However, he urged US partners in the region to enhance their military spending and “rapidly upgrade their own defenses.”
“Asian allies should look to European nations for a newfound example,” he suggested, referencing NATO members like Germany moving towards Trump’s defense spending goal of 5% of GDP.
“Deterrence doesn’t come cheap.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, present in Singapore, remarked that the Trump administration’s “tough love” had effectively encouraged the continent to strengthen its defenses.
“It’s love nonetheless, so it’s better than no love,” Ms. Kallas humorously remarked when asked about Hegseth’s speech.
She reinforced that the EU’s relationship with the US is not fractured, noting her recent conversation with Hegseth.
“He had a quite positive view of Europe in his speech, indicating there is definitely some love there,” she stated.
President Trump has continually pressured NATO allies to increase their defense budgets, demanding as much as 5% of GDP and asserting that the U.S. won’t bear the burden alone.
Ms. Kallas continued, “Different European nations have recognized the necessity to invest in defense for some time now.”
“The European Union has evolved and redefined its approach, transitioning from a peace project to one supported by robust defense,” she added.
“Our increased efforts are commendable, but it is crucial to highlight that the security of Europe is deeply connected to that of the Pacific,” she added.
Ms. Kallas referenced Ukraine, where North Korean soldiers are operating and China is supplying military equipment to Russia.
“There were significant messages regarding China in the U.S. Secretary of Defense’s speech,” Ms. Kallas remarked.
“If you are concerned about China, you must also be concerned about Russia,” she asserted.
She emphasized that the EU aims to create “partnerships in mutual interest” within the Indo-Pacific, particularly in defense and economic cooperation.
Moreover, the EU aims to contribute its economic strength in these partnerships.
Ms. Kallas disagreed with the notion that the U.S. should prioritize the Indo-Pacific while Europe focuses solely on its own region.
“Given China’s economic power, I believe that superpowers can sometimes overestimate their own strength,” she said.
China’s economic influence can only be effectively addressed alongside “like-minded partners such as the United States, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore,” Ms. Kallas concluded.
