At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning that China is credibly preparing to use military force to change the Indo-Pacific power balance. He emphasized the urgency for Asian allies to increase their defense spending to counter the growing threat.
Hegseth highlighted that Beijing’s potential military actions pose a significant risk to regional stability, especially concerning Taiwan. The US reaffirmed its commitment to remain in the Indo-Pacific region to support its allies and partners. This call for stronger defense cooperation comes amid rising tensions between the US and China, with concerns over China’s ambitions in Asia.
Alongside warnings, the US defense chief announced new joint projects aimed at strengthening regional security. Hegseth urged Asian nations to contribute towards at least 5% of their GDP in defense budgets to deter aggression effectively. His comments mark a notable escalation in tone from previous US assessments.
Key Points from the Summit
- China’s credible preparation to use military force to alter the Indo-Pacific power dynamics.
- Emphasis on increasing defense spending by Asian allies to counter threats.
- Reaffirmation of US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
- Introduction of new joint defense projects for regional security.
- Call for Asian nations to allocate at least 5% of their GDP towards defense.
- Robust international dialogue on security collaboration and preparedness.
As the host city, Singapore facilitated a vigorous dialogue on the future of security in Asia amid these geopolitical challenges. International defense leaders responded to the evolving situation, discussing strategies to foster collaboration and readiness in the face of emerging threats.
Stay tuned to Questiqa World News for the latest updates on this developing story.
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