Pete Hegseth in Stern Warning to China Vows Defence of Taiwan

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US Declares Unyielding Indo-Pacific Commitment at Shangri-La Dialogue

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, May 31, 2025 – The United States will not be pushed out of the Indo-Pacific or allow its allies to be subordinated by China, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth asserted in a forceful speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday.

Striking a defiant tone, Hegseth underscored America’s enduring presence in the region, reaffirming its commitment to deterrence, defence modernization, and allied partnerships.

“We will continue to be an Indo-Pacific nation — with Indo-Pacific interests — for generations to come,” Hegseth declared.

In a clear message to China, Hegseth’s assertive muscle flexing amid report of Beijing launching a major amphibious foray into the waters of Taiwan backed by air power.

Hegseth said: “That starts with deterring aggression here in the Indo-Pacific, here in our priority theatre, here with you, our allies and partners.”

In his address at the annual defence summit hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Hegseth laid out a sweeping vision for US military posture and strategy, vowing to reverse perceptions of American weakness and ensure peace through strength.

Bolstering Military Strength and Industrial Capacity

Hegseth outlined a robust Fiscal Year 2026 defence budget, redirecting funds toward acquisition priorities to modernize U.S. forces. He highlighted next-generation platforms such as the sixth-generation F-47 fighter, the B-21 stealth bomber, and advanced submarines, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned systems.

“When our opponents know that our military is armed with the most capable weapons systems, wielded by skilled warriors with the will to prevail, they are less likely to challenge us on the battlefield — and that is the point,” he said.

The Secretary also emphasized efforts to rebuild the US defence industrial base and shipyard infrastructure, positioning America to sustain a long-term security presence.

Confronting China’s Regional Assertiveness

Hegseth directly challenged China’s growing military presence and coercive actions in the region, accusing Beijing of attempting to reshape the Indo-Pacific order through grey zone tactics, cyberattacks, and maritime aggression.

“We will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated,” he warned, referencing China’s activities in the South China Sea and its escalating pressure on Taiwan.

He cited Beijing’s military build-up, including nuclear expansion and amphibious capabilities, and reaffirmed US support for Taiwan’s sovereignty. “Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027,” Hegseth stated, calling such a move potentially catastrophic for the region and the world.

Despite the strong rhetoric, he emphasized that the US seeks neither war nor regime change in China. “Our goal is to prevent war. And we will do this with a strong shield of deterrence, forged together with you — America’s great allies and partners,” Hegseth said.

Enhancing Alliances and Regional Partnerships

The US will continue investing in forward-deployed forces, including the inaugural overseas deployment of the NMESIS anti-ship missile system to the Philippines and expanded training and basing initiatives with Japan and Australia.

Hegseth also spotlighted new initiatives to bolster allies’ capabilities, such as the Maritime Security Consortium and the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR), which aims to strengthen regional logistics and technology cooperation.

“We are enabling our partners, from maritime surveillance to unmanned systems,” he said, referencing the recent handover of a US-built unmanned surface vessel to the Royal Malaysian Navy.

He called on Asian allies to step up defence spending, noting that NATO countries have committed to 5% of GDP amid similar global threats. “How can it make sense for Europe to do that while key allies and partners in Asia spend far less in the face of a far more formidable threat from Communist China?” he challenged.

A Warning on Dual Alignments

In a stern caution, Hegseth warned regional nations against balancing economic ties with China while relying on the US for security guarantees. “You cannot walk both sides in an era defined by strategic clarity,” he said.

When pressed by a Chinese military delegate about the US stance in intra-regional disputes, Hegseth affirmed a flexible approach under the Trump administration, focused on realism and mutual interests rather than rigid alliances.

Addressing criticism about US trade policy, Hegseth deferred, saying, “I’m happily in the business of tanks, not trade.”

China Skips Summit’s Defence Dialogue

Notably, China did not send its defence minister Dong Jun to the summit, leaving Beijing without a high-level platform to respond. In its absence, Hegseth’s statements went unchallenged during the first day of the summit.

As the Indo-Pacific continues to dominate global strategic discourse, the U.S. message is clear: it will stand its ground — and with its allies — against coercion, ensuring the region remains free, open, and peaceful.

“Together, we will show what we mean by peace through strength,” Hegseth concluded.

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