U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the growing military and economic pressures posed by China during his keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore.
Hegseth reassured Indo-Pacific allies that they would not be abandoned in the face of escalating threats from Beijing.
However, he emphasized that these nations also need to contribute more towards their own defense.
Expounding on the nature of the threat, Hegseth remarked that the Chinese military is engaged in exercises that simulate a potential blockade of Taiwan, reaffirming that the U.S. is committed to defending the self-governing island that China claims as its own.
“China’s army is rehearsing for the real deal,” Hegseth stated.
He depicted the threat as not only real but potentially imminent, urging allies to bolster their defenses to counter Beijing’s assertiveness.
In response, Rear Adm. Hu Gangfeng, head of China’s delegation, accused Hegseth of making unfounded accusations against China.
Hu declared that some of the claims made are completely fabricated and that they distort facts, suggesting that such statements only serve to provoke trouble and incite division in the Asia-Pacific region.
The tension between the U.S. and China is heightened by Beijing’s stated goal of preparing its military to potentially invade Taiwan by 2027, a target that analysts view as more aspirational than a definitive timeline.
Moreover, China has constructed advanced artificial islands in the South China Sea to facilitate new military outposts and has developed cutting-edge hypersonic and space capabilities.
In response, the U.S. is working on establishing its own missile defense system, referred to as the space-based “Golden Dome,” with significant funding support proposed by a budget currently under review in Congress.
During the conference, Hegseth cautioned that China’s military is not just building up forces but is actively engaged in daily training for a potential invasion of Taiwan.
In a broader context, he criticized China’s growing ambitions in Latin America, particularly regarding its influence over strategic areas like the Panama Canal.
Hegseth encouraged Indo-Pacific nations to ramp up their defense spending to levels comparable to the 5% of their gross domestic product that European countries are now expected to contribute.
He insisted that collective efforts are crucial, stating, “We must all do our part.”
European Union’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas challenged Hegseth’s remarks, highlighting the interlinked nature of European and Asian security.
She noted that ongoing conflicts involving North Korean troops fighting for Russia and China’s support for Moscow underscore the need for a comprehensive security approach.
Reiterating longstanding commitments, Hegseth vowed to enhance the U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific to establish a more robust deterrent against threats.
However, U.S. military resources have often shifted away from the Indo-Pacific to address urgent needs in the Middle East and Europe, especially following the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Recent military adjustments under the Trump administration included relocating a Patriot missile defense battalion from the Indo-Pacific to support operations in the Middle East, which involved a large logistical effort.
When asked about the rationale behind these resource shifts despite pledges to prioritize the Indo-Pacific, Hegseth cited necessary actions to counter missile threats from Houthi forces in Yemen and bolster U.S. border security.
He maintained that it is essential for American allies and partners to enhance their defense preparations, making it clear that the U.S. is not looking to act alone.
“Ultimately, a strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners is our key strategic advantage,” Hegseth remarked.
He warned that overly relying on China for economic support can deepen their malign influence and complicate military decision-making in times of heightened tensions.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a member of the congressional delegation attending the conference, countered Hegseth’s view, stating that the U.S. should not force its regional allies to choose between cooperation with the U.S. and China.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles endorsed Hegseth’s assurance regarding America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific but acknowledged that other nations must also take on greater responsibilities.
He commented that a balance of power in the region is unattainable without U.S. involvement, but added that the aggressive trade policies of the Trump administration could undermine cooperative efforts.
Notably, China’s delegation to the conference included a lower-level team, with the absence of its defense minister, Dong Jun, seen as a snub linked to ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
The U.S. delegation plans to leverage this absence in its diplomatic efforts.
Hegseth concluded by emphasizing that U.S. support for Indo-Pacific nations will not restrict their local governments from aligning on cultural or climate issues, reinforcing the invitation for diverse partnerships.
This call for strengthened alliances and increased defense spending comes amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape shaped by China’s assertiveness and the intertwined security dynamics of the region.
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