US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that China is “credibly preparing for military intervention” to alter the balance of power in Asia, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized that the US has now permanently repositioned itself in the region to counter the growing threat from Beijing.
He accused China of preparing for an invasion of Taiwan and conducting real-life military operation exercises, citing recent large-scale drills around the island. Hegseth labeled China’s activities a “wake-up call,” criticizing cyberattacks, harassment of neighbors, and the militarization of disputed territories in the South China Sea.
With tensions escalating between China and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal, Hegseth said the US aims to bolster defense cooperation with regional allies like Japan and the Philippines. He urged Asian nations to follow Europe’s lead by increasing defense spending, referencing NATO countries’ pledges to reach 5% of GDP in line with Donald Trump’s goal.
Although China declined to send a senior defense official to the summit, its military confirmed concurrent “war-preparation exercises” near contested maritime zones. Meanwhile, the US reiterated its commitment to ensure China does not dominate the region or invade Taiwan under a Trump presidency.
Hegseth concluded that the Indo-Pacific is now America’s top strategic priority and called for deeper allied cooperation to uphold regional security.
