U.S. Defence Sec Warns of China Threat in Asia

Pete Hegseth warns of looming China threat, urges Indo-Pacific allies to increase defence budgets amid rising Taiwan tensions and regional instability at security summit.

- CORRESPONDENT

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning on Saturday, declaring the threat from China to be "real and potentially imminent" as he urged allies in the Indo-Pacific to ramp up their defence investments.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue—Asia's leading security forum—Hegseth delivered his most forceful remarks yet on China's rising assertiveness, especially toward Taiwan.

"There's no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent," Hegseth said, adding that any attempt by Beijing to conquer Taiwan would bring "devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world."

He echoed President Trump's assurance that China would not invade Taiwan during his presidency.

Hegseth's comments came amid escalating tensions over Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province and has vowed to "reunify" with, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, remains a self-governed democracy and rejects Beijing's claims. China has increased military maneuvers around the island, intensifying concerns among its neighbors and allies.

"It must 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 warned.

China responded sharply to Hegseth's remarks, accusing him of provoking tensions. The Chinese Embassy in Singapore said his speech was filled with "slander and incitement," adding that the U.S. was the "biggest troublemaker for regional peace and stability."