Hegseth Urges Asia to Bolster Defences Against China’s ‘Imminent’ Threat to Taiwan
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued a stark warning about China’s growing military threat to Taiwan, calling on Asian nations to increase defence spending and collaborate more closely with Washington to maintain regional stability.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth described China as a “hegemonic power” aiming to dominate Asia. He warned that Beijing is preparing for a potential military campaign to seize Taiwan—a self-governed island that China claims as its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.
“China is building, training, and rehearsing daily for a possible invasion of Taiwan,” Hegseth said, referencing an unconfirmed 2027 deadline U.S. officials believe President Xi Jinping has set for the military to be capable of such action.
“Let me be clear: any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world. This threat is real—and it could be imminent.”
U.S. Commitment to Asia
Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. is not seeking conflict or to “strangle” China, but remains committed to protecting its allies.
“We do not seek to dominate or provoke. But we will not be pushed out of this vital region,” he said. “We must ensure China cannot dominate us or our allies.”
The speech comes amid noticeably reduced Chinese participation at the summit. While the U.S. sent a large delegation, China sent a lower-ranking team and cancelled a scheduled speech, offering no explanation.
Call for Greater Defence Spending
Hegseth pressed Asian nations to increase their defence budgets, citing Europe’s response to U.S. pressure under NATO. He invoked President Trump’s demand for NATO countries to spend at least 5% of GDP on defence—what he termed “tough love.”
“How can it make sense for Europe to increase spending, while key allies in Asia spend less when facing an even more formidable threat?” Hegseth asked, also noting North Korea’s growing threat.
He said U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific should aim to be “partners, not dependents,” and highlighted new initiatives like a regional radar repair hub in Australia and support for unmanned drone production as part of a broader industrial defence partnership.
Hegseth also cautioned against deepening economic ties with China, warning that Beijing would use such relationships as leverage to exert influence and hinder regional cooperation with the U.S.
Contrasting Visions Within U.S. Delegation
Hegseth framed the Trump administration’s foreign policy as “common sense,” rejecting past approaches he described as moralistic.
“We’re not here to lecture you about climate change or cultural issues. We’re not here to impose our ideology. We don’t seek permanent enemies,” he said, likening Trump’s realism to Singapore’s late leader Lee Kuan Yew.
However, his remarks drew criticism from Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who was also in Singapore.
“That message is inconsistent with the values our nation was founded on,” she told reporters. “We stand for human rights, international law, and order. That’s what the world expects from us.”
Duckworth also took issue with Hegseth’s tone. “Saying the U.S. will ‘wrap its arms around friends’ sounds patronising. Our allies need solidarity, not paternalism.”
Regional Reception
Despite internal differences within the U.S. delegation, Republican lawmakers Brian Mast and John Moolenaar said Hegseth’s message was well-received by many Asian officials.
“People want freedom of navigation and respect for sovereignty,” said Moolenaar, chair of a House committee on U.S.-China competition. “China’s aggressive behavior is worrying—and our continued presence is welcome.”
The Shangri-La Dialogue continues as regional players grapple with rising tensions and a shifting security landscape in the Indo-Pacific.