Hegseth Warns Indo-Pacific Allies of China Threat/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Indo-Pacific allies of an “imminent” threat from China, particularly regarding Taiwan. Speaking at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, he urged partner nations to boost defense spending and reduce reliance on China. China’s delegation rebuked the remarks as provocative and destabilizing.
China’s Rising Threat: Quick Looks
- Hegseth warns of ‘imminent’ Chinese military threat
- Accuses China of daily drills simulating a Taiwan blockade
- Urges Indo-Pacific nations to match Europe’s defense spending
- China blasts remarks as “groundless” and “provocative”
- Concerns raised over China’s influence in Latin America
- U.S. pulls some Indo-Pacific assets to support Middle East, border
- Hegseth says U.S. won’t go it alone in region
- Australia supports U.S. presence, urges regional cooperation
- China’s lower-level delegation seen as diplomatic snub
- Trade tariffs and dual loyalties complicate regional alliances
Deep Look: Hegseth Tells Indo-Pacific Allies—Prepare for a Potential Conflict With China
SINGAPORE — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a sharp warning to Indo-Pacific allies during a major international defense summit on Saturday, saying the threat posed by China — especially to Taiwan — is both real and possibly imminent. His remarks came during the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s most prominent security forum, and carried a clear message: America’s partners must do more to prepare for the growing regional dangers.
“We are not going to sugarcoat it — the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent,” Hegseth said, referencing China’s repeated military drills simulating a blockade of Taiwan.
China’s Response: Tensions Rise on Diplomatic Stage
China’s delegation quickly denounced Hegseth’s comments. Rear Adm. Hu Gangfeng of China’s National Defense University criticized the speech as “groundless,” claiming it was filled with fabricated accusations designed to provoke and divide the region.
“Some of the claims are completely fabricated,” Hu said. “These actions are nothing more than attempts to incite confrontation.”
Though China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory, the U.S. maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity, supporting Taiwan militarily without formally recognizing it as independent. Beijing’s stated goal is to be capable of retaking the island by force, if needed, by 2027.
Broader Concerns: South China Sea, Panama Canal, and Space
Hegseth expanded his warning beyond Taiwan, citing China’s assertiveness across multiple domains — from military outposts in the South China Sea, to growing influence in Latin America, including the Panama Canal, and advanced hypersonic and space capabilities.
In response, the Pentagon is accelerating development of space-based missile defenses, which Hegseth dubbed a “Golden Dome.”
Regional Allies: Urged to Invest More in Defense
Hegseth challenged Indo-Pacific nations to ramp up their defense spending, pointing to European countries now targeting 5% of their GDP amid increased security threats.
“We must all do our part,” he said. “China envies what we have together… but it’s up to all of us to invest.”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pushed back slightly, emphasizing the interconnectedness of European and Asian security — especially as China and North Korea back Russia’s war in Ukraine.
U.S. Resource Shifts and Strategic Questions
Despite repeated claims that the Indo-Pacific is America’s top strategic priority, some U.S. military assets have been redirected elsewhere. In recent months, the U.S. redeployed a Patriot missile battalion from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East and sent Coast Guard ships back to the U.S. border, stirring concerns about commitment.
When asked why these withdrawals occurred, Hegseth cited the need to counter Houthi missile threats in Yemen and secure the southern U.S. border, though he emphasized that the U.S. would remain engaged in Asia.
Economic Entanglements: China’s Influence Runs Deep
Many Indo-Pacific countries rely heavily on trade with China, making them wary of fully siding with Washington. Hegseth warned that economic dependence on Beijing risks complicating defense decisions during potential crises.
“Seeking U.S. protection while relying on Chinese money carries strategic risk,” Hegseth cautioned.
Still, not all U.S. policymakers agree with the hardline stance. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), attending the summit as part of a congressional delegation, stressed the U.S. was not demanding allies choose sides.
“The United States is not asking people to choose between us and the PRC,” Duckworth said.
Australia and ASEAN: Between Caution and Commitment
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles backed Hegseth’s call for stronger regional cooperation but acknowledged the destabilizing effects of Trump-era trade tariffs.
“There is no balance of power in this region without the U.S.,” Marles said. “But high tariffs have caused serious disruption.”
China’s own response was muted, underscoring its frustration by sending a lower-ranking delegation instead of Defense Minister Dong Jun. The Trump administration viewed this as a missed opportunity for Beijing and doubled down on engagement with allies present.
“We’re here. Somebody else isn’t,” Hegseth quipped.
Looking Forward: U.S. Recalibrates Indo-Pacific Strategy
Hegseth closed by stressing that the U.S. was opening its arms to a wide array of partners, traditional and otherwise. He emphasized that support for allies wouldn’t require cultural or climate alignment, marking a notable shift from past administrations’ broader diplomatic criteria.
“We’re not here to impose values,” Hegseth said. “We’re here to support security and freedom.”
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