US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked criticism from China over his warnings that the country poses an imminent threat to regional security. At a Singapore defence conference, Hegseth said China was “credibly preparing” to use military force in the Indo-Pacific region and was rehearsing for a potential invasion of Taiwan.
China’s foreign ministry condemned his comments, calling them “provocative” and aimed at “sowing division”. The ministry also disputed Hegseth’s claim that China is trying to become a hegemonic power, saying it unfairly targets the US.
The tensions come as China’s military capabilities continue to grow. According to Australia’s defence minister Richard Marles, China has seen a significant increase in military build-up since the end of World War II, making it one of the biggest challenges facing regional nations.
Hegseth’s comments also highlight the complexities of the Taiwan issue. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects the idea of Beijing’s rule.
The Shangri-la Dialogue is an annual conference that brings together leaders and defence ministers to discuss regional security. This year’s event saw a small Chinese delegation led by Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, who accused unnamed countries of provoking conflicts in the region. Singapore’s defence minister Chan Chun Sing urged both sides to properly understand each other, highlighting the importance of open communication to avoid misinterpretation and miscalculation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/01/china-accuses-pete-hegseth-of-sowing-division-in-asia-in-speech-filled-with-provocations