Hegseth Warns of Imminent China Threat to Taiwan, Calls for Regional Defense Buildup

Singapore: Hegseth Warns of Imminent China Threat, Urges Regional Defense Spending The Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore hosted a stark warning from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the potential for a Chinese military attack on Taiwan. Hegseth's address, his first major speech since assuming office, described China's actions as a "wake-up call," emphasizing the real and potentially imminent threat. While stating that the US does not seek conflict, he underscored the escalating risk of confrontation in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth's comments come amidst growing international concern over US-China tensions, recently highlighted by French President Emmanuel Macron's push for closer Asia-Europe security cooperation. Hegseth directly urged US allies in the Indo-Pacific to significantly increase their defense spending, drawing parallels to the increased budgets of NATO countries in Europe in response to geopolitical tensions. He argued that underinvestment in Asia would weaken efforts to counter military threats from both China and North Korea. He stressed the importance of modernized capabilities among US allies, stating that while the US remains committed, allies must also invest in their own defense modernization. He also pointed to China's continued cyberattacks and assertive actions in the South China Sea as further evidence of the threat. "The threat is real, and it could be imminent," Hegseth stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. While most US officials maintain that an attack is not currently expected, Hegseth's strong warning highlights the growing concerns within the US government and its allies.