US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth.
Singapore: US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth on Saturday assured allies of the Indo-Pacific sector that they would not have to face China’s growing military and economic pressure alone. Also, he requested these countries to increase his defense preparations and expenses. In his main speech at the Shangri-La dialogue held in Singapore, Hegseth described China as a ‘real’ threat, especially with his aggressive policies towards Taiwan. China reacted to Hegseth’s statements but did not show a tough stance in it.
What does China want to achieve by 2027?
Hegseth said that the Chinese army is doing ‘real rehearsal’ of Taiwan. He warned, ‘We do not need to hide it. China’s threat is real and it can be revealed anytime. China aims to develop the ability to occupy Taiwan by military force by 2027, although experts consider it an ambitious goal, not a fixed time frame of war. In addition, China has set up military posts by creating artificial islands in the South China Sea and has made rapid progress in hypersonic weapons and space techniques. In its retaliation, the US is developing its space-based ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system.
China’s move flew America sleep
Hegseth also expressed concern about China’s growing interference in Latin America, especially on the Panama Canal. He said that China is trying to change regional stability. He appealed to Indo-Pacific countries to increase the expenditure on their defense by 5 percent of GDP (GDP) like European countries. He insisted that everyone has to fulfill his responsibility. Explain that China has expressed displeasure against the uncertain trade policies of the US and President Trump by not sending its Defense Minister Dong June in this conference.
What did China say on Hegseth’s statements?
China has sent a lower level delegation to its National Defense University to the Shangri-La dialogue. On this, Hegseth taunted and said, “We are here this morning, there is no one else.” Reacting to Hegseth’s statements, China’s rear admiral Hu Gangfeng described ‘baseless’ and ‘distracting facts’, but did not register any concrete objections. He said that these statements are an attempt to increase tension and conflict in the area.
Hegseth looked uncomfortable on this question
American military resources from Indo-Pacific have been transferred to the Middle East and Europe due to Ukraine and Gaza wars. Recently, the Trump administration sent a Patriot missile Defense Battalion from Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, which required 73 military cargo aircraft. Also, Coast Guard ships were called back to protect the US-Mexico border. When asked why these resources were removed if they were asked if Indo-Pacific priority, Hegseth did not give a direct reply, but said that these steps were necessary to deal with Yemen’s Huki missile attacks and illegal immigration.
What is the dilemma of Indo-Pacific countries?
Indo-Pacific countries have been trying to balance the US and China for a long time. China is the major commercial partner of many countries, so they are not able to stand openly in front of China. But the aggressive policies of the dragon, such as the growing claim on natural resources such as fishing, are seen as a regional ‘domineering’. Hegseth said that America’s support would not be on the condition of adopting Western policies on cultural or climate issues. He expressed his desire to work with all countries including traditional and non-traditional colleagues.
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