The Chinese government has accused U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses of trying to “sow division” in the Asia-Pacific region after he warned that China poses an “immediate” military threat during a recent speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue Defense Forum in Singapore. Hegses emphasized that China may use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding Taiwan, urging Asian nations to bolster their defense spending.
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry condemned Hegses, claiming his statements were provocative and mischaracterized China as a hegemonic force. They criticized him for ignoring regional calls for peace and accused the U.S. of being the true disruptor of stability in the region. Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marless supported Hegses, highlighting China’s significant military buildup since WWII.
The Shangri-La Dialogue serves as a platform for discussions among global defense leaders, although many key interactions occur outside formal sessions. This year, China participated with a smaller delegation compared to previous years. Singapore’s Defense Minister noted the importance of understanding among nations, calling for ongoing engagement with China, regardless of its participation in dialogues.
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