SINGAPORE: U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered an absolute and grim message during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, forewarning that China’s intentions toward Taiwan signify an upfront threat to global peace and security.
A stark warning on Taiwan
According to a recent CNN report, Hegseth made a clear warning saying that “There is no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” highlighting intelligence reports that the Chinese military is vigorously setting up a plausible attack on the island by 2027. Hegseth accused Beijing of attempting to redesign the Indo-Pacific order via military pressure, principally with its regular training drills mimicking an attack on Taiwan.
U.S. calls for allied unity
Hegseth stressed that the United States cannot dissuade China alone. “We ask – and indeed, we insist – that our allies and partners do their part on defence,” he said, asking countries in the region to meaningfully increase defence outlays. He cited NATO partners who have allotted up to 5% of GDP on defence as a standard for Asian allies. Hegseth’s comments echo a mounting resolve from the Trump government to strengthen preemption in the light of what he labelled Beijing’s “wake-up call” to the region.
China pushes back against “defamatory allegations”
Beijing summarily rebuked Hegseth’s remarks. In a statement, China’s foreign ministry vilified the U.S. for making “defamatory allegations” and “sowing division” via the defence forum. Chinese bureaucrats maintained that they remain open to negotiation but carped at Washington’s growing military pomposity in Asia. Pressures were further augmented by China’s pronouncement to reduce its involvement and input in the forum, sending a low-level team instead of its defence minister.
Rising tensions, but no backing down
Notwithstanding calls for sobriety from other regional powers, Hegseth made it clear that the U.S. will manifest and sustain a strong presence in Asia. “We will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies be subordinated and intimidated,” he said. While reiterating that Washington does not seek friction that could lead to war, he asserted that the Trump administration is dedicated to guaranteeing Taiwan’s safety and will stand firm against Chinese hostility in contested areas such as the South China Sea.
Experts and forecasters note that, in contrast to recent changes in U.S. policy toward Europe, the administration’s approach to Asia remains intensive and forceful, underscored by sustained combined military training with Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and South Korea.
Without high-level consultations arranged between the U.S. and China, optimism for alleviating tensions appears minimal, leading to the reinforced geopolitical schisms presently defining the Indo-Pacific region.