US Defense Chief Warns of Imminent China Threat to Taiwan, Urges Asia to Boost Military Budget

Singapore – May 31, 2025 – Secretary of United States Defense Pete Hegseth has warned that China could launch a military invasion of Taiwan in the coming future. While speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in singapore, he called on asian countries to increase defense budgets and stay stand together with the United States to prevent war.

This was high-level security summit, which brings together top defense officials from across the Asia-Pacific. In his speech, Hegseth said China is preparing its military to attack Taiwan and is training daily for it.

“The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent. We hope not, but it could be,” Hegseth told delegates.

China Preparing for Action by 2027, US Says

United States officials claims that till year 2027, China may be ready to attack on Taiwan. This date has not been confirmed by Beijing, but American military leaders believe China is building and training its armed forces with that goal in mind.

Hegseth said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the military to be ready by 2027. He warned that any attack on Taiwan would lead to “devastating consequences” for the region and the world.

“China is building the military needed to do it. They are training every day and rehearsing for the real deal,” he said.

Taiwan is a self-governing island that china claims as its own. China has never ruled out using force to bring it under control. Asian countries have grown more concerned about the rising tensions and possible conflict in the region.

US Presence in Asia Will Continue

Hegseth made it clear that the US is not looking to control or provoke China, but will not leave Asia or abandon its allies countries from the region.

“We do not seek to strangle or encircle China. But we will not be pushed out of this critical region,” he said.

He urged US allies in Asia to work together, build stronger defense, and reduce dependency on China & Chinese trade. He said Beijing could use economic ties to pressure countries and weaken their ability to respond to threats.

He also spoke about new US defense projects in the Indo-Pacific. These include a radar repair centre in Australia and local production of unmanned drones for regional allies.

“Deterrence doesn’t come cheap. Europe is stepping up. Asia must do the same,” he said, noting that several NATO members are now spending more on defence.

Mixed Response from US Lawmakers

Hegseth’s remarks received mixed reactions from fellow US officials at the summit. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat, said his approach was “patronising.” She said the US must lead with values and support human rights and international law.

“We need to stand with our allies, not wrap our arms around them. That kind of language is not helpful,” she said.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in the US delegation supported Hegseth’s message. They said many Asian leaders welcomed his speech and expressed support for a continued US presence in the region.

“They want peace and freedom of navigation,” said Representative John Moolenaar. “The US must stay active and support our friends in Asia.”

The summit ended with growing calls for unity, stronger partnerships, and defense upgrades across the Indo-Pacific. As tensions rise between China and Taiwan, the focus remains on preventing war and protecting regional stability.