US Defence Secy's Warning To Indo-Pacific: 'China Eyeing To Alter Power Balance By Military Force'
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned the Asian countries that China is preparing to potentially use military force to alter power balance in the Indo-Pacific region.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Saturday called upon the Asian countries to 'upgrade their own defences" to boost their deterrence against China, warning that Beijing is preparing to use its military force to 'alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific".
He also warned China that any such attempt by the communist country to conquer Taiwan would lead to 'devastating consequences" for the region and the world.
Referring to a potential Chinese takeover of Taiwan, Hegseth reiterated the US's commitment to increase its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
His remarks came while addressing the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, where no senior Chinese delegate was present at this year's conference.
'US allies in the Indo-Pacific can and should upgrade their own defences," Hegseth said, The Guardian reported.
'It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. Any attempt by communist China to conquer Taiwan by force will result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world. There's no reason to sugar coat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent," the Defence Secretary added.
Hegseth also announced several new joint initiatives, including expanding access to military ship and aircraft repair facilities, including in Australia.
'Asian countries should look to allies in Europe as a newfound example. Deterrence doesn't come on the cheap… Time is of the essence," he said.
A new study by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, which is organising the Singapore event, has found that defence spending across Asia is currently surging. This rise comes on top of what has been a relatively steady annual average of 1.5% of GDP spent on weapons and research.
First Published:
May 31, 2025, 09:29 IST
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