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DW
2 days ago
- Politics
- DW
Where are US and China heading after Shangri-La Dialogue? – DW – 06/02/2025
The cracks between the two superpowers, the US and China, seem to have widened during Asia's premier security forum. But while Washington is warning of the "threat" of China, Beijing is playing it close to the chest. The Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier security forum held annually in Singapore, wrapped up this weekend with a clear message from the United States: the Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the Trump administration amid what it sees as China's aggressive posturing. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to step up their own defense in response to China's military build-up near Taiwan, a self-governing island Beijing claims as its own. Hegseth mentioned China more than 20 times in his first-ever speech at Shangri-La, and issued a more direct warning about any plans Beijing may have to take Taiwan. "Any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world. There's no reason to sugarcoat it," Hegseth said on Saturday. "The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent," he said. "We hope not, but it certainly could be." Chinese Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, who is leading a delegation from the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, called the US remarks "groundless accusations." China's Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng fired back against the US claims Image: Edgar Su/REUTERS The next day, China's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement to protest against Hegseth's remarks, claiming that the US military presence in Asia-Pacific is "turning the region into a powder keg." China's defense minister stays away The usual plenary session where Beijing used to outline its Indo-Pacific strategy was canceled this year, and speculation over why Beijing chose not to send Defense Minister Dong Jun to Singapore lingered throughout the three-day summit. Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at the Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, told DW on site that the minister was absent due to travel schedule arrangements and not for any strategic reason. But other analysts suggested that China may be trying to avoid tough questions on security issues. Another possible factor is that Washington was presenting its Indo-Pacific policy at a global stage for the first time in US President Donald Trump's second term. China threat set to dominate Singapore security talks To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video "It seems to me that China opted for a more cautious and defensive approach this time. It was waiting for the US to make a move," said Lin Ying-Yu, an assistant professor at the Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies at Taiwan's Tamkang University. "Once the US has made its statements, then [China] will respond accordingly," he added. As for clues about Beijing's possible countermeasures, Lin suggested waiting for the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, another international defense conference hosted annually by China in September or October. Lin also warned that "China might use military actions toward Taiwan as a way to send a message to the US, and that's something we should be watching out for." How might US-China relations change going forward? China, which now has the world's largest navy by number of warships, has reportedly stepped up its deployment of naval and coast guard vessels across East Asian waters since early May. Zhou, the Chinese military expert, told DW that the tone Hegseth used to address US-China competition shows an "almost 180 degrees change" compared to the Biden administration and "runs contrary to what his predecessors said." Hegseth issues Taiwan warning to Beijing To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Standing at the same podium last year, the former US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that war with China was neither imminent nor unavoidable, stressing the importance of renewed dialogue between the two countries in avoiding miscalculations. When asked at the venue about the future of China-US relations, Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University, said he expects day-to-day defense operations from both sides to "appear more confrontational," but without sudden escalation. France's Macron warns of global divide At the forum, French President Emmanuel Macron called out the apparent growing division between China and the US as the main risk currently facing the world. "The instruction given to all the others: you have to choose your side," Macron said at the opening day. "If we do so, we will kill the global order, and we will destroy methodically all the institutions we created after the Second World War," he added. In response to the concerns of the world splitting into two opposing camps, Zhou told DW: "Clearly we have not reached that level, which is a total hostile relationship between two enemies." "We are still away from that and hope we will always be away from that," he said. Tensions slowly rising around Taiwan While China seemed more cautious in the diplomatic arena, its actions in the Taiwan Strait seem to be growing more aggressive. Since Taiwan's current President William Lai took office over a year ago, the island's official data shows more frequent crossings by Chinese military aircraft over the Taiwan Strait's median line — the unofficial boundary between mainland China and Taiwan, despite Beijing officially considering all of Taiwan as Chinese territory. Taiwan also recorded an increased naval presence around its shores. In Singapore, US Defense Secretary Hegseth warned that China could be ready to invade Taiwan as early as 2027 — a statement that echoes previous assessment by US authorities. China has dismissed the 2027 timeline before but reiterated the goal of reaching reunification with Taiwan, whether by peaceful or non-peaceful means. Taiwan wants its own satellite internet — here's why To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Despite being one of the most contentious flashpoints in the world, Taiwan had little official representation at Asia's premier defense forum, Taiwanese media reported. The name "Taiwan" was also reportedly not shown on the guest list for the only two attendees from the island: I-Chung Lai, the CEO of a government-affiliated think tank, and former Defense Minister Andrew Nien-dzu Yang. Edited by: Darko Janjevic
Asahi Shimbun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
China blasts Hegseth, says U.S. sowing discord in Asia
Senior military officials from various countries talk in a cafe of the hotel where the Shangri-La Dialogue is held in Singapore on June 1. (Kazuhiro Nagashima) SINGAPORE—Beijing fiercely criticized U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for calling China a 'threat,' arguing that the U.S. government is the one undermining peace and security in Asia. 'Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation, vilified China with defamatory allegations, and falsely called China a 'threat,'' China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released on June 1. 'The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow discord. China deplores and firmly opposes them and has protested strongly to the U.S.,' it said. Hegseth made the speech on May 31 at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian defense conference in Singapore that was organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies and supported by The Asahi Shimbun and others. The conference closed on June 1. In his speech, the U.S. defense chief stressed the 'military threat' posed by China and frequently referred to the Chinese side as 'Communist China' to emphasize the difference in political systems. He asserted that China is trying to gain hegemony in Asia. Hegseth also said the United States does not want war with China, but that it will re-establish deterrence. China's statement countered: 'No country in the world deserves to be called a hegemonic power other than the U.S. itself, who is also the primary factor undermining the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.' Hegseth's speech heightened concerns in Southeast Asia over the widening gap between the United States and China. A Chinese scholar familiar with U.S.-China relations said Hegseth's speech clearly emphasized the U.S. stance in the Indo-Pacific region but raised other questions. Hegseth called for countries in the region to believe in the United States and spend more on defense as Europeans countries do. 'But isn't U.S. credibility declining in Europe?' the scholar asked. Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think tank, commended Hegseth's speech as reassuring but said the references to China were too confrontational. And while the contents of Hegseth's speech may have been acceptable in Washington, they were not necessarily supported in Southeast Asia, where the conference was held, Cooper said. Phumtham Wechayachai, deputy prime minister and defense minister of Thailand, took the stage at the conference on June 1 and called for an easing of tensions through dialogue and other means, saying: 'Thailand stands firm on neutrality. We are friends to all.' A major focus of the conference was the U.S.-China relationship concerning trade and security. But China did not dispatch its defense minister to the conference. An expected U.S.-China meeting did not take place, and opportunities for communication were very limited. (This article was written by Sotaro Hata, and correspondents Ryo Kiyomiya and Takashi Ishihara.)
Fox News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Sen. Blackburn targets birth tourism, 'buying American citizenship' in support of Trump's immigration agenda
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced new legislation Tuesday aimed at dismantling the multimillion-dollar birth tourism industry that allows foreign nationals to use America's immigration system to secure automatic citizenship for their children. The Ban Birth Tourism Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare inadmissible any foreign national seeking a tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States. Those births automatically trigger U.S. citizenship for the child, a long-criticized loophole that opens the door to future family-sponsored migration. Blackburn's bill, which was read twice and referred to committee, includes a provision to protect legitimate medical travelers. If the primary reason for entry is medical treatment rather than citizenship acquisition, those cases would not be blocked. "For too long, foreign nationals have been exploiting our nation's immigration laws, taking advantage of the system to come to the United States solely to give birth and obtain citizenship for their children," Blackburn said in a press release. "The Ban Birth Tourism Act would prevent foreign nationals, including those from adversaries like Communist China and Russia, from buying American citizenship for their children. As President Trump works to end birthright citizenship, we need to get this bill to his desk." The push comes as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on restoring immigration integrity in the president's second term. During his first term, President Trump repeatedly vowed to end automatic citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants and MAN SENTENCED FOR 'BIRTH TOURISM' SCHEME FOR AFFLUENT CHINESE WOMEN In 2020, the State Department under his administration began denying visas to suspected birth tourists, a move hailed by immigration enforcement advocates. Birth tourism is far from a fringe phenomenon. According to conservative immigration policy analysts, the industry accounts for at least 33,000 births annually to women on temporary visas. These children, upon turning 21, can legally sponsor their parents for green cards, offering a backdoor into the U.S. immigration system. A 2015 report by the Center for Immigration Studies estimated the practice generates millions of dollars for companies that specialize in bringing pregnant foreigners, primarily from Russia and China, to the U.S. These firms often charge tens of thousands of dollars for packages that include visa coaching, hospital stays, and luxury accommodations. In one of the largest federal crackdowns to date, the former Trump administration's Department of Justice in 2019 charged nearly 20 individuals in Southern California for operating extensive birth tourism networks targeting Chinese nationals. Prosecutors accused the businesses of coaching clients to lie to immigration officials about the purpose of their travel, a tactic common among such operations. Blackburn's bill would codify into law the inadmissibility of any traveler seeking to exploit this loophole, ensuring that birthright citizenship cannot be used as a ticket to game the system. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe Office of Senator Marsha Blackburn referred Fox News Digital to a Tuesday press release.
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Blundering Trump has given China's cruel regime a public relations coup
For all its achievements in relieving poverty in recent decades, few are in doubt about the true nature of China 's hard-line Communist regime. Whether it is the ruthless crushing of democracy in Hong Kong, persecuting Muslim Uighurs or threatening to invade plucky little Taiwan, it is generally – and rightly – seen as a force for bad, not good. Certainly, the ever-lengthening tentacles of its increasingly menacing economic and diplomatic reach make it an unlikely and undeserving candidate for sympathy. In any dispute between China and a Western nation, most neutrals would be likely to side with the West. But in his relentless and reckless crusade to shake up the world order Donald Trump may be in the process of turning that on its head too. China may be the primary target of his trade war, but much of the rest of the world, including the UK and Europe, are in the same threatening crosshairs. In fact it could be argued that Britain, Europe and the rest find themselves on the same side as China in its current dispute with the US. Equally, it could be said that if China wins the game of economic poker with the US, Trump is more likely to have to make concessions to the rest. An extraordinary state of affairs indeed. Before you dismiss this notion as absurd, ask yourself this: who do you want to win the tariff showdown between Trump and China? I would hazard a guess that many would plump for China – cruel, totalitarian, human rights abusing, thought controlling Communist China. In short, in his ill-thought-out diplomatic and economic blundering, Trump may have handed China's President Xi Jinping a huge public relations coup. It is the kind of so-called 'reputation washing' makeover that even the wealthiest dictator could not afford to purchase. For all its many flaws, for a century or more, America has been seen in Britain and the West as generally a force for good, not bad, in the world. With Donald Trump's second presidency just three months old, that reputation is now in severe danger – with incalculable consequences.
Japan Times
04-04-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Trump's global trade war may defeat U.S. strategic goals on China
In its first months, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has moved to deter China from threatening its neighbors, signalling that the U.S. will ramp up its military presence in the Indo-Pacific and offer more support to Taiwan. But with his global tariffs announcement on Wednesday, Trump may have undercut his own administration's strategy. While China is one target of the economic measures, others facing levies include allies Japan and South Korea and newer partners, including Vietnam and India. The result, warn analysts, could be an economic moat around the U.S. that ultimately undermines Washington's strategic goals on China. "The fact that Trump is potentially alienating so many U.S. trade partners at the same time certainly, in my opinion, weakens the overall impact (of his China policy)," said Joe Mazur, geopolitics analyst at policy consultancy Trivium. "It might also allow China to find common cause with other countries facing down Trump's tariffs, and if not coordinate a response, then at least it will incentivize other countries to mend fences with China." The White House National Security Council did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump lambasted doubters while announcing his tariff blitz. "Never forget, every prediction our opponents made about trade for the last 30 years has been proven totally wrong," he said on Wednesday. Trump said he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports and higher duties on dozens of the country's biggest trading partners, reversing decades of trade liberalization that have shaped the global order. China will get hit with 34% tariffs, according to the White House, European Union allies will face 20% duties, and Taiwan, the democratic island at the center of U.S.-China geopolitical frictions, will be hit by 32% tariffs, on top of other tariffs announced by the Trump administration since January. Containers at a port in Taiwan on Thursday. The democratic island at the center of U.S.-China geopolitical frictions faces 32% tariffs from the U.S. | REUTERS Scott Kennedy, a China expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the administration's trade policy could hurt the U.S. economy and fray ties with like-minded countries. "I'm really concerned that we are going to, for the sake of generating jobs in manufacturing, sacrifice our massive advantages in other areas of our economy which are the primary source of our employment, prosperity and international economic and military power," Kennedy said. "We may end up quite isolated." Reestablishing deterrence Trump's administration has been vocal about building up U.S. military capacity to counter China. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a briefing last week in the Philippines on his first trip to the Indo-Pacific that the United States would "shift to this region of the world in a way that is unprecedented," adding that it was committed to reestablishing deterrence "in the face of Communist China's aggression in the region." Trump's team has also moved to bolster security support for Taiwan, granting the island an early reprieve from the administration's freeze on foreign military financing. Still, other steps by the administration could erode U.S. influence to Beijing's benefit. Trump has slashed foreign aid and sought to eliminate U.S. news services, such as Radio Free Asia, which were intended to counter propaganda from American adversaries, particularly China. His push to acquire Greenland and retake the Panama Canal — though positioned as a way of countering China — has riled allies and raised questions about the U.S. commitment to a rules-based international order. Global tariffs could backfire, said Lizzi Lee, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis. "Add in the Trump administration's moves to dial back soft power — like cutting foreign aid and scrapping Radio Free Asia — and it's hard not to see this as a risky play that might play into China's hands more than intended," she said. But for China's leaders, Trump's tactics also create risks. The tariffs — and any broader economic fallout — will be painful for China, already struggling with a slowing economy. "I don't think (the Chinese) are feeling triumphalist ... tariffs that destabilize the American economy could prove just as bad for China as tariffs on Chinese goods," said Christopher Beddor, deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics. "The biggest risk now is that Trump's wider trade agenda might create a shock to global economic growth, which would be much harder to manage." Xi playing long game Despite tough rhetoric from Beijing and prompt retaliation after two rounds of additional tariffs since Trump took office, many analysts agree that Chinese measures so far have been relatively restrained, intending to leave space for dialogue. "We haven't cut off communication channels, I think our actions are reciprocal but we are not deliberately being provocative," said Sun Chenghao, fellow at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy. "Trump seems preoccupied with many things outside China. We don't need to put ourselves in his focus of attention. I believe this is not what China wants." Craig Singleton, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, expects Beijing to avoid a sweeping tariff response but still apply pressure to politically sensitive U.S. exports such as agriculture and industrial machinery and ramp up regulatory actions against U.S. firms. He said China was also likely to signal to Europe and other traditional U.S. partners that it is still open for business. "Xi is playing the long game," Singleton said of Chinese President Xi Jinping. "Avoid concessions, absorb the hit, and bet Trump blinks first."
