SINGAPORE, May 31 – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning about China’s growing military ambitions, calling the threat “real” and potentially “imminent” as he urged key Indo-Pacific allies to ramp up their defense expenditures. Speaking during his first appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s leading defense summit held annually in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized that the region remains a central focus for the Trump administration’s security strategy.
“There’s no need to sugarcoat it,” Hegseth said during his address to military leaders and diplomats. “The threat China poses is not just theoretical—it is credible, and it could manifest at any moment.” He emphasized that any Chinese military action to seize Taiwan would provoke a grave crisis, not just in the Indo-Pacific but worldwide. Reaffirming President Donald Trump’s stance, Hegseth declared that China would not invade Taiwan while Trump is in office.
China, which regards Taiwan as a breakaway province, has long asserted its intention to reunify with the self-governing island, using force if necessary. In recent years, Beijing has intensified military drills around Taiwan and escalated political pressure in pursuit of that goal. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to reject Beijing’s claims, stating that only its own people have the right to decide their future.
Hegseth did not mince words when assessing Beijing’s strategic posture. “It must be understood clearly—China is actively preparing for the potential use of military power to challenge the current regional order,” he warned.
Despite the gravity of his remarks, Hegseth’s push for greater defense spending by Indo-Pacific allies is likely to spark mixed reactions. While the U.S. maintains strong military partnerships across the region, not all allies may be comfortable with rising demands to increase defense budgets, especially in the context of domestic priorities. His tone, though firm, was likely to be better received in Singapore compared to more hesitant audiences in Europe.
Notably absent from the summit was China’s own Defense Minister Dong Jun, a decision seen by some as symbolic. Beijing opted to send a group of scholars to the forum, steering clear of a direct exchange with Hegseth’s strong remarks.
The Defense Secretary’s call to action echoed his previous criticisms of Europe, where he has insisted that American allies must do more to secure their own borders. Earlier this year at NATO headquarters, he chided European nations for relying too heavily on U.S. military support, remarking that America should not be treated like a “sucker.”
While addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth highlighted how European countries have recently increased their defense efforts. He credited President Trump’s influence for this change, noting that even NATO members such as Germany are now pledging up to 5% of their GDP toward military spending—a move he described as a clear indication of growing commitment.
He added that if European countries facing less immediate threats are making such investments, then it’s only reasonable to expect Indo-Pacific allies, who are on the frontlines of regional tensions, to follow suit. “The stakes here are arguably even higher, given the presence of both China and North Korea as active threats,” Hegseth stated.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans remarked that Washington’s message marked a new tone, adding it was the clearest recognition yet from the current U.S. leadership of Europe’s recent defense advancements. “It matters to hear that acknowledgment,” Brekelmans said during a separate discussion.
Yet, not all responses to Hegseth’s message were positive. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, part of a bipartisan delegation attending the summit, criticized his rhetoric. While she welcomed the reaffirmation of America’s regional commitment, she described his comments toward allies as “patronizing.”
Nevertheless, a recent study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which organizes the Shangri-La Dialogue, shows that some Asian countries are indeed investing more in their military capabilities. Defense spending has remained steady at an average of 1.5% of GDP across the region for the past decade, but there is a clear trend of increased investment in arms procurement, technology partnerships, and domestic defense industries.
Hegseth proposed a rebalancing of responsibilities within NATO and other global alliances. “We want Europe to take charge of European security. That way, the U.S. can focus its full attention and resources on supporting allies in the Indo-Pacific,” he explained during a Q&A following his address.
Still, recent decisions by the Trump administration have drawn scrutiny. For instance, the relocation of key air defense systems from Asia to the Middle East earlier this year raised concerns among some regional partners about America’s long-term priorities.
Hegseth, a former Fox TV host known for his conservative commentary, touched on familiar themes in his remarks. “We’re not here to impose our politics or values,” he said. “We’re not here to lecture anyone on environmental issues or societal matters. We respect your sovereignty, traditions, and militaries—and we want to partner with you where our interests align.”
His message was clear: while the U.S. remains committed to peace and stability in Asia, the burden of defense must be shared. As China expands its influence and military reach, Washington expects its allies to stand firm and invest in their own security—before it’s too late.