Fears are mounting in Asia over China's aggressive posture toward Taiwan, with the US urging allies to bolster their military capabilities amidst rising tensions.
US Defense Secretary Calls China a 'Real Menace' to Taiwan, Urging Greater Regional Defense Cooperation
US Defense Secretary Calls China a 'Real Menace' to Taiwan, Urging Greater Regional Defense Cooperation
Hegseth characterizes Chinese military intentions as an immediate threat while advocating for increased defense spending across Asia.
In a strong address at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has alerted Asian nations to the imminent threat posed by China toward Taiwan. He urged regional allies to increase their defense investments and collaborate more closely with the United States to avert potential conflict.
Hegseth, while asserting that the US has no intention of dominating or controlling China, emphasized that America will not retreat from Asia nor permit its allies to be cowed. His comments come amid escalating anxieties about the stability of the region should China attempt to take military action against Taiwan, a self-governing island assertively claimed by Beijing.
Describing China as striving for hegemonic power, Hegseth highlighted ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where China's aggressive tactics have raised tensions with neighboring nations. Citing a 2027 deadline purportedly set by Chinese President Xi Jinping for readiness to invade Taiwan, he warned of the potential dire ramifications for both the Indo-Pacific region and global security, stating, "The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent."
In response, the Chinese embassy in Singapore condemned Hegseth’s remarks as provocative and claimed that the US is the primary disruptor of peace in the area. The embassy accused the US of escalating tensions through military posturing, including the placement of offensive weapons in the South China Sea.
During the summit, Hegseth advocated for a stronger deterrent response from US allies in Asia, comparing their current defense spending levels unfavorably with Europe, which has been increasing military budgets in response to threats. He argued, "How can it make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies and partners in Asia spend less?"
Reiterating the US stance of not seeking war or conflict with China, Hegseth conveyed a commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted ongoing collaborative military initiatives, such as establishing a repair center in Australia and enhancing drone production within the region.
The US's strategic focus came against the backdrop of French President Emmanuel Macron's recent call for Europe to become a more engaged partner for Asia. Hegseth stated that the US's preference would be for Europe to concentrate its defense investments domestically, enhancing US leverage in the Indo-Pacific.
As Hegseth praised a vision of "common sense" foreign policy under President Trump, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized this approach for lacking alignment with the values traditionally upheld by the US.
Duckworth asserted the importance of promoting human rights and international law, emphasizing that the US should support allies without a patronizing attitude or demands for loyalty.
While the reactions from Asian officials indicated gratitude for US presence and reassurance against China's assertive behavior, experts suggest that real compliance with increased defense spending demands may vary among nations in the region.
Hegseth, while asserting that the US has no intention of dominating or controlling China, emphasized that America will not retreat from Asia nor permit its allies to be cowed. His comments come amid escalating anxieties about the stability of the region should China attempt to take military action against Taiwan, a self-governing island assertively claimed by Beijing.
Describing China as striving for hegemonic power, Hegseth highlighted ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where China's aggressive tactics have raised tensions with neighboring nations. Citing a 2027 deadline purportedly set by Chinese President Xi Jinping for readiness to invade Taiwan, he warned of the potential dire ramifications for both the Indo-Pacific region and global security, stating, "The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent."
In response, the Chinese embassy in Singapore condemned Hegseth’s remarks as provocative and claimed that the US is the primary disruptor of peace in the area. The embassy accused the US of escalating tensions through military posturing, including the placement of offensive weapons in the South China Sea.
During the summit, Hegseth advocated for a stronger deterrent response from US allies in Asia, comparing their current defense spending levels unfavorably with Europe, which has been increasing military budgets in response to threats. He argued, "How can it make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies and partners in Asia spend less?"
Reiterating the US stance of not seeking war or conflict with China, Hegseth conveyed a commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted ongoing collaborative military initiatives, such as establishing a repair center in Australia and enhancing drone production within the region.
The US's strategic focus came against the backdrop of French President Emmanuel Macron's recent call for Europe to become a more engaged partner for Asia. Hegseth stated that the US's preference would be for Europe to concentrate its defense investments domestically, enhancing US leverage in the Indo-Pacific.
As Hegseth praised a vision of "common sense" foreign policy under President Trump, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized this approach for lacking alignment with the values traditionally upheld by the US.
Duckworth asserted the importance of promoting human rights and international law, emphasizing that the US should support allies without a patronizing attitude or demands for loyalty.
While the reactions from Asian officials indicated gratitude for US presence and reassurance against China's assertive behavior, experts suggest that real compliance with increased defense spending demands may vary among nations in the region.
