U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urges the United States’ allies to enhance their defence capabilities, as he claims China prepares to potentially use military force in the Indo-Pacific region.
The region covers the Indian and Pacific Oceans, an area of increasing Chinese interest, according to Minister Hegseth. He emphasised in Singapore that China’s preparation for potential military action to alter the regional power balance is evident. “There is no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat posed by China is real and possibly imminent,” he stated.
Hegseth clarified that the United States is not pressuring Asian countries to adopt specific policies or ideologies but aims to collaborate on shared interests. “We’re not here to lecture you on climate change or cultural issues,” he noted, adding that a growing threat needs addressing.
“Our goal is not to seek conflict with communist China or to incite, subjugate, or humiliate it. President Trump and the United States hold immense respect for China and its civilisation. However, we will not allow ourselves to be pushed out of this critical region,” Hegseth affirmed. “America is proud to be back in the Indo-Pacific, and we are here to stay.”
