China has issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning against what it perceives as provocations regarding Taiwan. The warning follows remarks made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a security summit in Singapore, where he highlighted that China is “credibly preparing” for potential military action aimed at altering the balance of power in Asia.
In his speech, Hegseth expressed concerns over China’s military advancements, suggesting they signify preparation for an invasion of Taiwan, an issue that remains a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Following the summit, China’s foreign ministry reported that it had made “solemn representations” to Washington regarding Hegseth’s statements, which it described as misleading and inflammatory.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that the Taiwan issue is considered a “core interest” and an “internal affair” of China, asserting that any attempts by foreign nations to intervene are unwelcome. It insisted that the U.S. should refrain from using Taiwan as leverage in its strategic competition with China and warned against actions that could escalate tensions.
Hegseth’s comments were not limited to Taiwan; he also addressed concerns regarding China’s activities in the South China Sea, accusing Beijing of “illegally seizing and militarizing lands.” Despite an international ruling that undermines China’s expansive claims over the waterway, Beijing maintains that its assertions are legally justified and that domestic and foreign navigation has never been troubled.
In its response, China’s foreign ministry underscored its commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty while criticizing the U.S. for exacerbating regional instability through military deployment in the Indo-Pacific. The ongoing tensions highlight the increasingly complex and contentious relationship between the two nations, with Taiwan and regional security as central themes of dispute.
