US defense chief calls for cooperation to boost deterrence against China
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on US allies in Asia to boost defense spending and strengthen cooperation to enhance deterrence against China.
Hegseth delivered a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, the second day of the security forum.
Regarding Taiwan, which is facing increasing pressure from China, Hegseth said, "China has demonstrated that it wants to fundamentally alter the region's status quo." He repeatedly criticized China by name.
He also said, "any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world."
Hegseth said the United States does not seek conflict with China.
However, he said the US cannot look away and it cannot ignore it, and that China's behavior must be taken as a "wake-up call".
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