At the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth warned of China's aggressive military posture towards Taiwan, urging Asian nations to bolster their defenses. His speech, met with backlash from China, underscored the need for a united front against perceived risks while reflecting contrasting viewpoints within US political spheres concerning foreign policy.
Hegseth Urges Greater Defense Cooperation in Asia Amid Chinese Threat to Taiwan
Hegseth Urges Greater Defense Cooperation in Asia Amid Chinese Threat to Taiwan
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlights China's imminent threat to Taiwan, advocating for increased Asian defense spending and collaboration with the US to fortify regional stability.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made headlines at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, warning that China poses an "imminent" threat to Taiwan and stressing the necessity for Asian countries to increase their defense spending and cooperate with the US. Hegseth asserted that, while the US does not intend to "dominate or strangle China," it is committed to maintaining a presence in Asia and defending its allies from intimidation.
His remarks come in light of ongoing tensions, particularly as China expresses unyielding claims over Taiwan, a self-governing island. With many Asian nations apprehensive of potential instability arising from a Chinese invasion, Hegseth characterized China's ambitions as a drive for hegemony in the region. He detailed that China is actively preparing its military for a possible invasion, referencing an alleged 2027 timeline that has circulated among US officials, although this claim remains unverified by Beijing.
Hegseth warned of "devastating consequences" should China attempt to conquer Taiwan, emphasizing that the threat is tangible and potentially imminent. He called for a collective "strong shield of deterrence" among US allies while acknowledging that "deterrence does not come cheap." Hegseth encouraged Asian nations to ramp up their military budgets, referencing European ally efforts to bolster defense commitments in the wake of threats.
In response to Hegseth's comments, the Chinese embassy in Singapore accused the US of being the primary disruptor of peace and stability in the region. The embassy condemned Hegseth's speech as laced with provocations and claimed the US's military presence in the South China Sea serves as an example of its own offensive maneuvers.
Despite these tensions, Hegseth's speech received mixed reactions within the US. While Republican representatives praised the clear warning regarding China's actions, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the approach as patronizing and misaligned with the foundational values of the nation, stressing that the US should support allies without imposing its will.
Experts echoed the complexity of the situation, pointing out that perceptions of China differ significantly across Asia compared to Europe, with many Asian nations still willing to engage economically with China despite the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. As calls for increased military spending resonate among allies, analysts observe that compliance may vary, highlighting a delicate balancing act in US foreign policy.
