Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, identified China as the biggest threat, saying it aims to forcibly change the current situation in Asia through the use of military force.
During a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asia security conference held in Singapore on the 31st (local time), Secretary Hegseth claimed, "China seeks to become the hegemon in Asia," adding, "It aims to dominate and control the region." He also noted that "the threat from China is real and immediate," calling for rapid enhancement of defense capabilities and increases in defense spending from Asian allies.
Secretary Hegseth criticized, "It has become clear that there is a substantial military buildup and a willingness to use force to fundamentally change the current situation in the region." He stated, "China's actions are a very urgent signal that resonates with neighboring countries and the world."
The secretary also accused China of stealing industrial technology and attacking critical infrastructure with sophisticated cyber capabilities. He pointed out incidents such as water cannon attacks, ship collisions, and illegal occupation and militarization, claiming that China is harassing neighboring countries in the South China Sea. He said, "These actions show that China does not respect neighboring countries and challenges sovereignty and freedom of navigation," emphasizing, "Any attempt by China to unilaterally and coercively change the status quo in the South China Sea will not be tolerated."
Secretary Hegseth stated that the U.S. is shifting its strategic direction to deter China's aggression, noting, "Clearly, we do not seek conflict with China; however, we will not be pushed out of this vital region, and we will not allow our allies and partners to be subjugated."
The secretary stated that the top priority for achieving the mission of "peace through strength," assigned by President Donald Trump, is to restore the spirit of the military, rebuild the military, and reestablish deterrence.
To that end, he presented a defense budget proposal exceeding $1 trillion (approximately 1,380 trillion won), explaining that it includes items such as the next-generation missile defense system "Iron Dome" and the development of the sixth-generation fighter jet F-47.
He noted, "During President Joe Biden's administration, the world saw an impotent America, but that is no longer the case," adding, "The United States is reestablishing deterrence globally."
He emphasized, "Our future in the Indo-Pacific region is interconnected," asserting, "The United States is too deeply intertwined with this region to withdraw and will continue to be present here."