
At the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning about China’s expanding military ambitions in Asia. He declared that China is ‘credibly preparing to use force’ to alter the current status quo in the region.
Key Points from Hegseth’s Statement
- The threat from China is described as ‘imminent’.
- Asian countries are urged to increase their military spending to 5% of their GDP.
- Preparation is necessary for potential conflicts, including the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
Call for Strengthened Regional Cooperation
Hegseth underscored the importance of:
- Building stronger partnerships among Asian nations.
- Developing joint military projects to counter China’s assertiveness.
- Enhancing defense readiness in collaboration with the United States.
This declaration reflects a significant escalation in the US government’s rhetoric regarding Chinese activities in Asia, highlighting the shifting power dynamics and the urgent need for action, as perceived by Washington.
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