Pete Hegseth Delivers Speech at Shangri-La Dialogue
"China's Threat Is Real"
Calls for Increased Defense Spending from Allies
On the 31st (local time), United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth strongly criticized China, stating, "China is attempting to forcibly change the current situation in Asia through the use of force," and described China as the greatest threat factor.
Pete Hegseth, United States Secretary of Defense, is delivering a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore on the 31st (local time). Photo by Yonhap News.
In his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asia security conference being held in Singapore, Secretary Hegseth argued, "China seeks to become the hegemonic power in Asia," and "is trying to dominate and control the region."
He stated, "The threat from China is real and immediate," and called on Asian allies to rapidly strengthen their defense capabilities and increase their defense spending.
Secretary Hegseth criticized, "China has revealed its intention to fundamentally change the current situation in the region through massive military buildup and a willingness to use force to achieve its goals."
He added, "China's actions are a very urgent warning signal to neighboring countries and the world."
Secretary Hegseth also accused China of using sophisticated cyber capabilities to steal industrial technology and attack critical infrastructure. He pointed out that in the South China Sea, China is harassing neighboring countries, mentioning water cannon attacks, ship collisions, illegal occupation, and militarization. He remarked, "These actions show that China does not respect its neighbors and is challenging sovereignty and freedom of navigation."
Secretary Hegseth also revealed that the United States is shifting its strategic direction toward China. He emphasized, "Clearly, we do not seek conflict with China," but added, "However, we will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not allow our allies and partners to become subjugated."
Regarding the mission assigned by President Donald Trump to achieve 'peace through strength,' he stated that the top priorities are restoring the warrior spirit, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence. To this end, he presented a defense budget proposal exceeding $1 trillion (1,384 trillion won) for the first time in history, and explained that the development of the next-generation missile defense system 'Golden Dome' and the sixth-generation fighter jet F-47 are also part of the plan.
He further emphasized, "Our future in the Indo-Pacific region is interconnected," and stated, "The United States is so deeply involved in this region that we cannot withdraw, and we will continue to remain here."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
