At a major security forum in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a sharp warning about China’s increasingly aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth described the Chinese threat as “imminent” and urged America’s allies in Asia to significantly increase their military spending to prepare for potential conflict.

The Defense Secretary’s remarks focused heavily on the growing risk to Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province. According to Hegseth, intelligence reports suggest that China is actively building up its military capabilities with the goal of being ready to launch a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by 2027. He described this as a direct threat not just to Taiwan, but to the broader stability of the Indo-Pacific region and global security.

“China is not only expanding its military capacity rapidly but also displaying more willingness to use force to achieve its strategic goals,” Hegseth told the audience of defense leaders and experts. “The world must take this threat seriously, and our allies in Asia must be prepared to meet it.”

He specifically called on regional partners such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia to boost their defense budgets. While NATO members in Europe are moving toward a 2% GDP defense spending target, Hegseth recommended that Asian allies aim even higher—up to 5% of GDP—to ensure readiness and deterrence. He praised recent efforts by Japan to overhaul its defense policies but emphasized that much more needs to be done collectively.

Hegseth also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific, assuring allies that Washington is not distracted by other global conflicts. He emphasized that the U.S. values its partnerships and seeks to build a strong security network based on mutual respect, not coercion. “We are not asking anyone to choose between the U.S. and China,” he said. “We are asking you to choose your own sovereignty, your own security, and your own future.”

China was quick to respond, with its Foreign Ministry accusing the United States of being the main driver of instability in the region. A spokesperson dismissed Hegseth’s comments as “alarmist rhetoric” and said it is the U.S. military presence, not Chinese actions, that threaten peace.

Notably, China sent only a lower-level delegation to the summit, skipping the opportunity for high-level dialogue. Defense Minister Dong Jun was absent, a move some analysts viewed as a deliberate snub amid worsening U.S.-China relations.

As tensions continue to rise across the region, Hegseth’s speech marked a clear call to arms for Asian nations to fortify their defenses and prepare for an uncertain future. The message was unmistakable: the time to act is now, before the threat becomes a reality.