Pete Hegseth Warns Of China’s Threat

The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, warned on Saturday that the threat from China is real and potentially imminent as he pushes allies in Asian countries to increase their defense spending. 

Hegseth, speaking for the first time at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s defense forum, underscored the Indo-Pacific region was a priority for the Trump Administration. Hegseth reassures that the US would not be pushed out of Asia nor allow its allies to be intimidated.

He added that any attempt by China to conquer Taiwan “would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific region and the world”, and echoed Trump’s comment that China will not invade Taiwan on the president’s watch. 

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to “reunify” with it, by force if necessary. It has increased military and political pressure to assert its claims. Thus, many fear the potential upheaval if China invades Taiwan. Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims, stating only its own people can decide their future. 

Hegseth characterized China as seeking to become a ‘hegemonic power.’ 

“It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth spoke. China has clashed with several neighboring countries over competing territorial claims in the South China sea. 

The Secretary of Defence also referenced an alleged 2027 deadline, which President Xi Jinping has allegedly set for China’s military to be capable of invading Taiwan. This date has been cited by US officials, though Beijing has never officially confirmed it. 

The head of China’s delegation, Rear Admiral Hu Gangfend accused Hegseth of making “groundless accusations.” 

He added, “Some of the claims are completely fabricated, some distort facts, and some are cases of a thief crying stop thief.” He accused the US of provoking instability and confrontation in the region.