At a high-stakes annual security forum in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed profound concerns regarding China’s military intentions in the Indo-Pacific region. He stated that China is “credibly preparing” for potential military action aimed at altering the existing balance of power, underscoring the United States’ commitment to remaining engaged in this critical area.
Hegseth’s remarks came at a time when tensions between the US and China are escalating, particularly regarding trade, technology, and geopolitical influence. Since taking office, the Trump administration has initiated a trade war with China, focused on curbing its access to vital artificial intelligence technologies, while enhancing security partnerships with regional allies such as the Philippines, who are currently embroiled in territorial disputes with Beijing.
“The threat China poses is real and it could be imminent,” Hegseth cautioned at the Shangri-La Dialogue, which was attended by defense officials from various countries. He specifically noted China’s military advancements as preparations for a possible invasion of Taiwan, asserting that the Chinese military is “rehearsing for the real deal.” This assertion is supported by increased military activities around Taiwan, including large-scale exercises that signal a potential blockade or invasion strategy.
Hegseth characterized China’s rising military assertiveness as a “wake-up call” for the international community. He accused Beijing of pursuing dangerous behaviors such as cyberattacks, harassing neighboring countries, and unlawfully seizing and militarizing territories in the South China Sea. Despite an international ruling that nullified its extensive claims over this critical waterway—through which over 60 percent of global maritime trade transits—China continues to assert control, often leading to confrontations with the Philippines.
As Hegseth made his comments, news emerged that China’s military was conducting routine “combat readiness patrols” around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, further fueling concerns among regional stakeholders. Casey Mace, the charge d’affaires at the US embassy in Singapore, highlighted the importance of this forum for discussing such pressing matters, noting that China’s aggressiveness in the South China Sea has intensified in recent years.
In a broader context, Hegseth’s remarks coincide with the backdrop of renewed trade tensions, as President Trump accused China of violating agreements aimed at reducing tariffs. The US and China had previously agreed to a temporary pause on mutual tariffs; however, Trump’s recent statements on social media accused China of non-compliance, although he did not elaborate on specifics. This escalation occurs as US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer criticized China for its actions that he claimed were impeding critical resources.
Reassuring allies, Hegseth emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is “America’s priority theater,” affirming the US commitment to prevent China from dominating the region or its partners. He called for US allies to enhance their defense spending, drawing parallels from European NATO countries that are committing to increase military expenditures.
Hegseth’s remarks serve not only as a warning regarding China’s military ambitions but also as a rallying cry for enhanced cooperation and defense readiness among US allies in the face of increasing geopolitical strife.
