Speaking at a major security summit in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning, characterizing the threat posed by China to Taiwan as “real” and potentially “imminent.” He strongly urged countries across Asia to significantly increase their defense spending and deepen cooperation with the United States to build a robust deterrent against potential conflict in the vital Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth’s address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue marked a notable escalation in US tone regarding China compared to previous administrations. He described Beijing as seeking “hegemonic power,” aiming to “dominate and control” parts of Asia, citing ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea as evidence.
The Taiwan Warning: “Credibly Preparing”
The focus on Taiwan was central to Hegseth’s message. He stated that Beijing is “credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power” in Asia, specifically referencing China’s military buildup, daily training, and “rehearsing for the real deal” concerning Taiwan. He mentioned the alleged 2027 deadline for China’s military capability to invade Taiwan, a date often cited by US officials but not confirmed by Beijing.
Hegseth left no room for ambiguity on the potential consequences, warning that any forceful attempt by China to conquer the self-governing island would unleash “devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world.”
Building a “Strong Shield of Deterrence”
Despite the urgent warning, Hegseth emphasized that the US does not seek war, conflict, or regime change in China. The objective, he stated, is not to “dominate or strangle China,” but rather to ensure that China cannot dominate the US or its allies. He affirmed the US commitment to the region, stating the US “will not be pushed out of this critical region.”
To prevent conflict, the US aims to forge a “strong shield of deterrence” alongside its allies and partners. However, Hegseth stressed that “deterrence does not come cheap” and that “time is of the essence.”
Call for Increased Asian Defense Spending
A core demand from Hegseth was for Asian nations to ramp up their defense budgets. He pointed to European NATO members, some of whom are increasing military spending in response to US calls (including a suggested benchmark of 5% of GDP by some Trump administration figures), as an example. He questioned why Asian allies facing a “more formidable threat” from China (and North Korea) would spend less proportionally than their European counterparts.
Hegseth was explicit: “We ask, and indeed we insist, that our allies and partners do their part” in increasing defense budgets. He urged Indo-Pacific allies to “quickly upgrading their own defences,” becoming “partners, not dependents” on the US. While reports suggest Asian spending on weapons and research is spiking, average annual spending remains around 1.5% of GDP, highlighting the gap Hegseth wants closed.
Enhancing Regional Defense Capabilities
Beyond spending, Hegseth outlined US efforts to strengthen regional capacity and cooperation:
Increased US military presence in the Indo-Pacific.
A new Indo-Pacific partnership for defense industrial resilience.
Establishing a radar repair center in Australia for US maritime patrol aircraft used by allies.
Aiding regional production of unmanned drones.
Expanding access to military ship and plane repair facilities.
Planning the US’s first-ever live-fire test of its mid-range capability system in Australia.
Expanding cooperation and joint exercises.
He also cautioned Asian countries against deep economic ties with China, viewing such links as potential “leverage” for Beijing’s “malign influence” that could complicate defense decisions. This stance contrasts with previous US approaches that sought to avoid forcing partners to choose between economic ties with China and security cooperation with the US.
A Shift in Foreign Policy Approach
Hegseth presented the Trump administration’s foreign policy as one of “common sense,” emphasizing that the US “does not have or seek permanent enemies.” He likened President Trump’s pragmatic approach to that of Singapore’s late statesman Lee Kuan Yew. He stated the US is moving away from a “moralistic and preachy approach,” clarifying that the US is not there to pressure countries on ideologies, preach about climate change or cultural issues, or impose its will, but rather to focus on the immediate “gathering threat.”
Reactions and Counterpoints
China’s response was swift and sharp. The Chinese embassy in Singapore accused Hegseth’s speech of being “steeped in provocations and instigation,” “smearing and attacking China,” and playing up a “China threat.” It countered that the US is the “biggest ‘troublemaker'” for regional peace, citing examples like US military deployments and reconnaissance activities in the South China Sea. China also notably sent a lower-level delegation to the dialogue than the US and canceled a planned speech, seen as a deliberate diminishing of its presence.
Within the US delegation, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized aspects of Hegseth’s speech, calling his language towards allies “patronising” and his focus “inconsistent with the values on which our nation was founded,” such as human rights and international law. She argued the US should stand with* allies, not “wrap ourselves around you,” and avoid forcing countries to choose between the US and China.
Conversely, Republican Representatives Brian Mast and John Moolenaar reported that many Asian countries welcomed Hegseth’s clear message about the China threat and encouraged continued US presence, feeling intimidated by China’s actions but desiring freedom of navigation and respect. Experts like Ian Chong noted that while the call for increased spending is standard US policy, the Trump administration’s insistence is stronger, and the extent of allied compliance remains uncertain.
Ultimately, Hegseth’s address underscored the US administration’s urgent assessment of the China-Taiwan situation and its demand for Indo-Pacific partners to significantly bolster their own defenses as key pillars of regional deterrence.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c071xm4x7g7o
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/hegseth-urges-asia-boost-defence-082757632.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/31/pete-hegseth-calls-on-asia-to-boost-military-spending-in-face-of-imminent-threat-from-china-us-defence-secretary
- https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2025/05/31/imminent-threat-hegseth-escalates-tone-on-china-in-key-asia-speech/
