U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, attending the Shangri-La Dialogue on Asian security, sharply criticized China, saying, "China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia," to which China responded, "The U.S. is the one disrupting peace in the Asia-Pacific region."
On the 1st, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stated in a statement, "Hegseth is completely ignoring the voices of regional countries that pursue peace and seek development, spreading Cold War-like thinking of factional confrontation and presenting a narrative of 'China threat' filled with provocations and challenges."
It added, "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, and has formally submitted strict negotiations to the U.S. (diplomatic protests)."
According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China emphasized that "the U.S. is indeed a hegemonic power and the largest factor undermining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," stating that "the U.S. is deploying offensive weapons in the South China Sea to maintain its hegemony, turning the Asia-Pacific region into a powder keg that raises concerns among countries."
It also stated, "We urge the U.S. to stop destroying the regional peace and stability environment."
This is interpreted as a response to Secretary Hegseth's direct criticism of China in his previous speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
The day before, Secretary Hegseth had stated in his speech, "China is attempting to forcefully change the situation in Asia through military power," and noted, "China is stealing industrial technology through sophisticated cyber capabilities or attacking critical infrastructure."
He also issued a warning regarding the so-called 'Ahn Mi Kyung Jung' (安美經中), where countries in Asia, including Korea, are enhancing security through alliances or partnerships with the U.S. while deepening economic cooperation with China.
The Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), is an annual event that sees significant attendance from security chiefs in the Asia-Pacific region and has recently attracted attention as a venue for U.S.-China defense minister meetings.
However, this year, China sent a delegation led by the Director General of the National Defense University instead of the Minister of National Defense, and the planned U.S.-China ministerial contact did not materialize.