### U.S. Defense Chief Warns of Imminent Chinese Threat to Taiwan

In a stark address to the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's primary defense forum held in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday of an imminent threat posed by China towards Taiwan. Hegseth emphasized that the global peace and stability are at risk and called for collective defense efforts from American allies and partners in the region.

Hegseth’s comments, among his strongest since assuming office in January, outlined concerns that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China is rigorously preparing to potentially use military force. He cited Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s directive for the PLA to be ready by 2027 to invade Taiwan, a democratic island with a population of 23 million. Despite never having ruled Taiwan, the Chinese Communist Party claims it as its sovereign territory.

China quickly condemned Hegseth's remarks. The country's foreign ministry accused Hegseth of defaming China with provocative and divisive allegations, asserting that the U.S. is ignoring regional nations’ calls for peace.

Alongside addressing the Taiwan issue, Hegseth focused on broader regional disputes, particularly in the South China Sea where China is known for its assertive tactics. He reinforced U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to prevent Taiwan from falling under Chinese control and urged regional allies to increase their defense spending, pointing to NATO allies who spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defense.

Hegseth made it clear that the U.S. does not seek conflict with China but reinforced that Washington would not step back or allow its allies to be intimidated by Beijing’s aggressive posture. He called for allies to be “force multipliers” in deterring China, advocating for a unified stance against Chinese aggression.

Amid heightened economic tensions between the two powers, with tariffs reaching over 100% on each other’s goods, Hegseth’s speech has further strained U.S.-China relations. Historically, the Shangri-La Dialogue has served as a platform for defense leaders from both nations to engage in dialogue, but this year, China has opted to send only a low-level delegation from its National Defense University.

In contrast to the mixed reactions and policy shifts experienced in Europe, the U.S. approach in Asia under the Trump administration has been consistent, aiming to counter Chinese influence and support Taiwan. Military exercises with key allies like Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and South Korea have not only continued but, according to analysts, have been strengthened in 2025.

Hegseth's call for increased allied cooperation is seen as a continuation of the previous administration's policies, albeit with a more assertive tone. His address underscores the urgent need for collective defense strategies in light of the perceived Chinese threat in the Indo-Pacific region.