China accuses Hegseth of promoting a Cold War mindset by labeling it as a menace
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defense Secretary, delivered a fiery speech at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit held in Singapore on May 31, 2025. The focus of his address was the United States' dedication to standing by its allies in the Indo-Pacific region and addressing escalating concerns regarding China's military activities.
Here's a brief rundown of Hegseth's key statements:
- Allies in Trouble? Nope!: Hegseth offered a reassuring message to Asian allies, asserting that the U.S. remains steadfast in supporting them against Chinese aggression. He specifically emphasized ongoing worries about China's military actions targeting Taiwan and the Philippines.
- Imminent Danger Ahead? Better Prepare!: Hegseth sounded the alarm, suggesting that a Chinese military action against Taiwan could be imminent. He pointed to China's increasing military presence around Taiwan and its almost daily harassment of Taiwan's borders, potentially signaling that Beijing may be gearing up to take the island by force.
- Peaceful Intentions, Firm Stance: Hegseth made it clear that the U.S. doesn't crave a conflict with China. However, he added that the U.S. and President Trump hold the Chinese people and their civilization in high regard. Yet, they won't allow themselves or their allies to be intimidated or subjugated in the region.
- No Need for Cold War Mentality: In response to criticism from the Chinese government that his tone fostered a Cold War mentality, Hegseth clarified that the U.S. doesn't aim to dominate or encircle China. Instead, he stated the U.S. simply seeks peace, but will not tolerate being overpowered by Beijing.
In essence, Hegseth's speech underscored the U.S.'s commitment to regional security, its readiness to support allies, and its warning about the possibility of imminent Chinese military action in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with regards to Taiwan, all while emphasizing that the U.S. longs for peace but will not tolerate being intimidated or subordinated by Beijing.
- While delivering his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue summit, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defense Secretary, emphasized that the country's support for allies in the Indo-Pacific region remains strong, addressing concerns about China's growing military activities as an imminent threat, particularly China's aggression towards Taiwan and the Philippines.
- During the speech, Hegseth also pointed out the increasing military presence of China around Taiwan and its regular border harassments, suggesting a potential Chinese military action against Taiwan could be looming.
- Hegseth's speech also highlighted the U.S.'s peaceful intentions towards China, acknowledging the high regard they have for the Chinese civilization. Yet, he made it clear that the U.S. and President Trump will not allow themselves or their allies to be intimidated or subordinated in the Indo-Pacific region.
