‘Threat China poses is real’: US defence secretary Pete Hegseth warns Indo-Pacific allies of imminent risks

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (Image credit: AP)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday delivered a blunt warning to Indo-Pacific allies, saying China is actively preparing to take Taiwan and that the region may be facing a rapidly approaching military crisis. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, Hegseth said, “We are not going to sugarcoat it, the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent.”Hegseth accused China of moving beyond military build-up to actual training for an invasion, citing exercises simulating blockades of Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. “China’s army is rehearsing for the real deal,” he said as quoted by AP, adding that Washington would reinforce its military presence in the Indo-Pacific but that allies must also “do their part.”He urged countries in the region to increase defence spending to levels comparable to the 5% of GDP now expected from European nations. “Ultimately, a strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners is our key strategic advantage,” he said. “China envies what we have together.”Beijing hits backThe head of China’s delegation, Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng of the National Defence University, dismissed Hegseth’s remarks as “groundless accusations.” He added, “Some of the claims are completely fabricated, some distort facts, and some are cases of a thief crying stop thief.” He accused the US of provoking instability and confrontation in the region.China has stated a goal of ensuring its military can take Taiwan by 2027. While many see this as aspirational, the Pentagon has grown increasingly concerned by Beijing’s space, hypersonic and naval advances. Hegseth said this is prompting the US to develop space-based “Golden Dome” missile defences.‘We are not asking you to choose sides’While reiterating US commitment, Hegseth warned Indo-Pacific nations about relying too heavily on China for economic support while seeking US military protection. “Economic dependence on China only deepens their malign influence and complicates our defence decision space during times of tension,” he said.Pressed on the Trump administration’s withdrawal of key assets from the Indo-Pacific, including a Patriot missile battalion sent to the Middle East and Coast Guard ships redirected to the US-Mexico border, Hegseth defended the move as necessary to counter Houthi attacks and illegal immigration. Still, he stressed that the Indo-Pacific remained a top priority.Illinois Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth, also attending the conference, pushed back on any notion that the US was forcing nations to choose. “The United States is not asking people to choose between us and the PRC,” she said.Australia backs US, questions tariffsAustralia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles welcomed Hegseth’s assurances but cautioned that the Trump administration’s high tariffs had caused “shock and disruption.” He said, “There is no effective balance of power in this region absent the United States, but we cannot leave it to the United States alone.”Hegseth deflected a question about Trump’s new tariffs, saying he was “in the business of tanks, not trade.”China skips, US staysIn a notable shift, China did not send its defence minister to the annual gathering, seen as a snub over the Trump administration’s unpredictable tariff policy. “We are here this morning. And somebody else isn’t,” Hegseth noted pointedly.When asked whether the US would remain committed if Asian alliances like Asean had differences with Washington, Hegseth said, “We’re opening our arms to countries across the spectrum, traditional allies, non-traditional allies.” He added that US support would not require alignment on cultural or climate issues.With rising tensions in the region and questions about US commitment, Hegseth closed by reinforcing the strategic need for a united front: “China sees what we can collectively bring to bear on defence, but it’s up to all of us to ensure we live up to that potential.”