US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stark warning regarding China's military ambitions towards Taiwan, emphasizing that the threat is both real and imminent. Speaking at the Shangri-La Security Conference in Singapore, Hegseth highlighted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly instructed the People's Liberation Army to be prepared for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027. This has raised alarms among the US and its Asian allies.
Hegseth's remarks come amidst increasing military activities by China near Taiwan, with drills and maneuvers that suggest a rehearsal for future operations. He urged Asian nations to bolster their defenses, citing Germany's increased defense spending as a commendable example. The US has long been a key ally of Taiwan, providing significant military aid, including advanced fighter jets and naval vessels.
The US Defense Chief also emphasized the ongoing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region to America, reinforcing that the US intends to maintain a strong military presence there. He called for enhanced cooperation with regional allies like the Philippines and Japan to counterbalance China's growing influence and military assertiveness.
China, on its part, views Taiwan as a renegade province, asserting that it should be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. The situation is further complicated by ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where China claims sovereignty over vast areas, a stance contested by multiple Southeast Asian nations.
As tensions escalate, Hegseth's call for increased defense spending and strategic vigilance underlines the precarious balance in the region, highlighting the potential for conflict if diplomatic solutions are not sought.
