Pentagon chief says ready to 'fight and win' against China, urges Asian allies to boost defense spending
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Hegseth Says China 'Imminent' Threat to Taiwan
Above: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a speech during the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, on May 31, 2025. Image copyright: Ore Huiying/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-US narrative
Hegseth's speech sent a powerful message to U.S. allies and China alike. It reassured the former of America's security commitment to the region while warning the latter that its predatory behavior would not go unchallenged. The rhetoric, however, is also backed by action, and the policies Hegseth discussed will reinforce America's position in the Indo-Pacific and protect its regional interests.
Pro-China narrative
Hegseth's warmongering shows that America is still trapped in a Cold War mentality. Rather than China, it is the U.S. as the world's hegemonic power that is most responsible for undermining Indo-Pacific stability through its aggressive rhetoric and offensive doctrines. If America genuinely wants peace, it should cease fanning the flames of tension, keep itself out of China's internal affairs, and adhere to the previously agreed upon One China principle.