On May 31, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth declared that China is “credibly preparing” to use military force to shift Asia’s power balance, vowing a steadfast U.S. presence in the region during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
According to Reuters, the remarks about China’s military threat have escalated tensions due to trade and territorial disputes, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing.
Hegseth emphasised China’s military expansion, accusing Beijing of preparing to invade Taiwan and militarising the South China Sea. Despite international rulings rejecting its claims, China claims over 60% of global maritime trade routes in this region. “China is rehearsing for the real deal,” he stated, pointing to incidents of cyberattacks and harassment of neighbouring countries like the Philippines, according to CNN. He urged Asian allies to increase their defence spending, suggesting a target similar to NATO’s 2% of GDP, to counter the risks associated with a potential invasion of Taiwan.
'There's no reason to sugar coat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,' Pete Hegseth said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore https://t.co/BK8v5HBpom pic.twitter.com/2DSAsMLek9
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 31, 2025China’s embassy in Singapore condemned Hegseth’s speech as “provocative,” accusing the U.S. of being the “biggest troublemaker” in Asia. Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, leading China’s delegation, criticised the U.S. for “stirring up trouble” without naming Hegseth. The South China Sea disputes intensified as China conducted patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, clashing with the Philippines, per The Guardian.
The remarks follow President Trump’s trade war with China, including tariffs and AI technology restrictions, with a 90-day tariff pause now faltering. Hegseth reaffirmed U.S. alliances with the Philippines and Japan, stating, “China will not invade Taiwan on Trump’s watch.” The U.S.-China tensions underscore a broader contest for Indo-Pacific influence, with the U.S. prioritising Asia as its “priority theatre,” per Bloomberg.
Hegseth’s warning at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlights escalating U.S.-China tensions, which impact global trade, security, and regional stability. As China’s military exercises grow, the U.S. call for allied defence upgrades could reshape Asia’s strategic landscape, drawing international scrutiny.
