In a significant speech delivered during the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to support its allies in the Indo-Pacific region in the face of escalating Chinese aggression, particularly concerning Taiwan.
Hegseth addressed security leaders from around the world at this high-profile gathering organized by the International Institute for Security Studies, expressing urgent concerns over China’s military posture.
“We do not seek conflict with Communist China. We will not instigate nor seek to subjugate or humiliate,” Hegseth stated, clarifying that while the U.S. holds great respect for the Chinese people and their civilization, it will not allow its allies to be intimidated.
He emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is viewed as a “priority theater” for the Trump administration, highlighting the ongoing aggressive military actions by China in the region, particularly toward Taiwan and the Philippines.
Hegseth remarked on China’s increased military investment and frequent provocations near Taiwan, noting that these developments have raised alarms about a potential imminent military action against the island, which China views as a breakaway province.
“Nobody knows what China will ultimately do,” he said. “But they are preparing, and we must, therefore, be ready as well. Urgency and vigilance is our only option.”
He further stated, “We are preparing for war, to deter war — to achieve peace through strength,” calling upon allied nations to join the U.S. in bolstering regional security.
Asserting that any aggressive move by China to conquer Taiwan by force would have dire consequences not only for the Indo-Pacific but for global stability, Hegseth warned that China’s preparations could prompt action sooner than the 2027 deadline set by President Xi Jinping.
Hegseth pointedly acknowledged, “There is no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent — we hope not, but it certainly could be.”
Tensions have also escalated between China and the Philippines, with Chinese military vessels routinely harassing Philippine ships in the South China Sea, where China continues to assert expansive territorial claims.
Relations between the U.S. and China have soured recently, especially following Trump’s imposition of substantial tariffs on Chinese imports, leading to reciprocal measures from China. Despite this, both nations currently maintain a temporary agreement to lower tariffs.
In his speech, Hegseth outlined the Trump administration’s strategy to reestablish deterrence by enhancing U.S. military presence in the western Pacific and assisting allies in strengthening their defense capabilities.
He urged Asian nations to emulate NATO countries by committing to increase military spending to 5% of their GDP, reflecting Trump’s goal for allies to take greater responsibility for their security commitments, as seen in Europe.
“President Trump and I will be counting on you in this room — our allies and partners — to be force multipliers of peace alongside the United States,” said Hegseth, making it clear that he expects allies to contribute to their defense.
Hegseth noted that such engagements may necessitate “uncomfortable and tough conversations” among partners regarding their mutual responsibilities in security matters.
He reassured allies that America’s commitments do not imply they must navigate potential military actions alone, saying, “You will also see that we are — and will remain — loyal to our allies and partners.”
Pledging U.S. support, Hegseth declared, “We will stand with you and beside you to deter Chinese aggression.”
The Shangri-La Dialogue traditionally provides a platform for high-level discussions, often facilitating meetings between U.S. and Chinese defense leaders amid rising tensions. However, this year’s event notably saw the absence of China’s defense minister, who did not attend, with China instead represented by a delegation from its National Defense University.
When asked about China’s choice not to attend, Hegseth remarked, “We can’t account for whether or not China is here or not, but we’re glad we are, and we think it makes the region more stable and more peaceful.”
China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific has been a central theme throughout the Shangri-La Dialogue, with French President Emmanuel Macron opening the conference by emphasizing the need for alliances between European and Asian nations.
During his address, Macron warned against the potential for countries to become collateral casualties of decisions made by larger powers, referring specifically to the U.S. and China.
He cautioned about the loss of credibility regarding the international rules-based order, especially if the U.S. applies such rules differently in its dealings with China, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Highlighting the implications of global responses, Macron asked, “If we consider that Russia could be allowed to take a part of the territory of Ukraine without any restriction… how would you phrase what could happen in Taiwan?”
He continued, “What would you do the day something happens in the Philippines?”
Macron underscored that the backdrop of these geopolitical tensions raises significant questions about the preservation of territorial integrity and the sovereignty of nations, insisting, “No double standards.”
image source from：https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hegseth-reassures-allies-us-support-chinese-aggression/story?id=122362466
