The US Secretary of Defense described China as a “immediate threat” to Taiwan, calling on Asia’s countries to increase their defense spending and work with them to prevent a war.
Speaking to the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore, he warned that Beijing may attempt a military intervention in Taiwan even before 2027-a date that, according to US officials, has been reportedly set by Si Jinping on the readiness.
Hegsheth made it clear that the US is not seeking war or change of regime in China, nor to “strangle it or encircle it”. However, as he said, they will not allow them to be expelled from Asia or to intimidate their allies. “Any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would have a devastating consequences for Indo-Pacific and the world. There is no reason to beautify the situation. The threat is real and could be imminent, “he said.
Beijing’s response to Washington
China’s reaction was intense. Her embassy in Singapore described Hegsche’s speech “full of challenges and motivation” and accused the US official of “repeatedly slandered China” and inflated the threat she was supposed to be. In a post on Facebook, she noted that the US is “the largest rioter for peace and stability in the region” citing the development of aggressive weapons in the South China Sea and the ongoing US islands and reefs claimed by China.
“The US is currently offering the world mainly uncertainty,” the statement said, adding that Chinese authorities have heard statements about peace, but are waiting to see actions.
It is noted that China has significantly reduced its presence in the Shangri-LA forum, sending a low-level delegation and canceling its scheduled Sunday speech, without explanation, according to the BBC.
Appeal to increase equipment in Asia
Hegsheth emphasized that “deterrence is not cheap” and called on Asian countries to invest more in their defense, following the example of Europe. He specifically referred to US President Donald Trump’s request to NATO allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP – something Hegschez called “harsh love but love”. As he said, countries such as Estonia are already moving in this direction, while others, such as Germany, are willing to comply.
“How does it make sense for European countries to increase their defense spending, while key allies in Asia invest less, before a more threatening challenge?” He wondered, photographing China and North Korea as threats. He stressed that Asian countries must be “partners and not dependent” by the US.
“China uses the economy as a pressure lever”
At the same time, Hegschez warned the Asian countries not to rely on economic relations with China, saying that Beijing would use them as a “lever” to enhance its malicious influence and to affect defense decisions.
His intervention came a day after French President Emmanuel Macron’s speech in the same forum, which Europe suggested to act as an ally of Asia. Asked about this, Hegschez responded that the US “would prefer the overwhelming majority of European investment to remain in Epirus” so that Washington would focus on the Indo-Pacific, where it has a “comparative advantage”.
Beijing, in his response, also questioned this position, ironically commenting: “If the US commitment to Europe is to push it to more defense spending, what will be the commitment to others?” In closing, he implied that increased US spending may be funded through the duties it imposes on third countries, in yet another sharp comment on Trump policy that has caused global trade.
