US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth Warns of Imminent Threat from China at Shangri-La Dialogue

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning on Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s top defence summit, declaring that the threat from China is real and potentially imminent. Hegseth’s remarks underscored the Trump administration’s emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region as a strategic priority and called on allies to bolster their own defence capabilities.
Hegseth’s Strongest Warning Yet on China
Speaking for the first time at the annual gathering of defence leaders, Hegseth cautioned:
“There’s no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” he said. Hegseth emphasized that any attempt by China to invade Taiwan would have “devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world,” echoing President Trump’s vow that China will not invade Taiwan on his watch.
China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has increased military and political pressure, including intensifying war games around the island. Taiwan’s government has rejected these sovereignty claims, asserting that the island’s people alone have the right to determine their future.
Call for Increased Defence Spending
Hegseth’s speech also urged Indo-Pacific allies to ramp up defence spending, mirroring his earlier calls for greater European contributions.
“It’s hard to believe, but thanks to President Trump, Asian allies should look to countries in Europe as a newfound example,” Hegseth said. “NATO members are pledging to spend 5% of their GDP on defence, even Germany. So it doesn’t make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies in Asia spend less on defence in the face of an even more formidable threat, not to mention North Korea.”
His comments, while resonating with some European leaders, sparked concerns among Indo-Pacific partners. US Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, part of a bipartisan delegation in Singapore, criticized Hegseth’s tone:
“I thought it was patronising of our friends in the Indo-Pacific in particular,” Duckworth said.
European Acknowledgment and Asian Concerns
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans appreciated Hegseth’s recognition of Europe’s increased efforts:
“It was for me maybe the first time or one of the first times I heard the U.S administration acknowledge this explicitly,” he noted.
A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies highlighted rising defence spending across Asia in response to growing security concerns, with nations diversifying industrial partnerships and strengthening domestic defence industries. Despite this, average defence spending in Asia has hovered around 1.5% of GDP over the past decade.
The Bigger Picture: US Priorities and Regional Dynamics
Hegseth argued that European allies should focus on security within Europe, enabling Washington to concentrate on the Indo-Pacific. However, some of the administration’s earlier actions, including moving air defence systems from Asia to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran, have raised eyebrows.
Hegseth, a former TV host with a focus on domestic issues, reiterated his commitment to military strength:
“We are not here to pressure other countries to embrace or adopt our politics or ideology. We are not here to preach to you about climate change or cultural issues,” Hegseth said. “We respect you, your traditions and your militaries. And we want to work with you where our shared interests align.”
What’s Next?
As the US-China rivalry continues to define the Indo-Pacific security landscape, Hegseth’s comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue underline a pivotal moment for regional alliances. The call for increased defence spending and a sharpened focus on Taiwan signal Washington’s evolving posture in the face of Beijing’s assertiveness.