China has strongly protested remarks made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of vilifying Beijing and promoting a divisive Cold War mentality during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. In a statement released Sunday, China’s foreign ministry called Hegseth’s labeling of China as a "threat" in the Indo-Pacific “deplorable,” claiming it ignores regional calls for peace and development.
The ministry criticized the U.S. for deploying offensive weapons in the South China Sea and stirring tensions across the Asia-Pacific. Beijing said Washington’s actions are turning the region into a “powder keg” and accused the U.S. of falsely portraying China as an aggressor to justify military expansion.
Hegseth urged Indo-Pacific allies, including Australia, to increase defense spending, citing a “real and potentially imminent” threat from China. In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed his country’s commitment, noting a pledged A$10 billion boost to defense but emphasized Australia would set its own policy.
Tensions between the U.S., China, and regional players continue to rise, particularly in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines are engaged in escalating maritime disputes. The U.S. military has deployed Typhon missile systems in the Philippines’ Luzon island, heightening strategic friction.
China also issued a stern warning over the Taiwan issue, cautioning the U.S. not to "play with fire." Hegseth warned any Chinese military move against Taiwan would have “devastating consequences.” China views Taiwan as part of its territory and vows reunification, by force if needed. However, Taiwan’s democratically elected government firmly rejects Beijing’s claims, asserting that only its people can determine the island’s future.
This latest exchange highlights the intensifying geopolitical rift as global powers vie for influence in the Indo-Pacific.