Hegseth Vows U.S. Will Counter China’s Threat in Indo-Pacific, Urges Allies to Step Up

In a fiery speech at a Singapore security conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent a clear message to Indo-Pacific allies: the U.S. is doubling down on regional defenses to counter China’s growing military and economic muscle, but allies must step up too. With Beijing’s sights set on Taiwan, Hegseth didn’t mince words, warning that China’s frequent military drills signal a real and potentially imminent threat.

China’s not just flexing; it’s practicing for a Taiwan showdown, Hegseth stressed, pointing to Beijing’s claim over the island and its 2027 deadline to be ready for forceful takeover if needed. From man-made islands sprouting military outposts in the South China Sea to cutting-edge hypersonic and space tech, China’s moves are bold. The U.S. response? A strategic Golden Dome defense system, which Hegseth insists is about protecting the homeland, not picking fights.

Hegseth also raised eyebrows by calling out China’s creeping influence in Latin America, particularly around the Panama Canal. He urged Indo-Pacific nations to boost their defense budgets, drawing parallels to Europe’s spending debates. ‘We must all do our part,’ he declared, emphasizing collective responsibility.

But not everyone nodded along. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas pushed back, arguing that European and Asian security are tightly linked, especially with North Korea’s troops backing Russia and China cozying up to Moscow. The global stakes, it seems, are higher than ever.