U.S. Strengthens Commitment to the Pacific Amidst China Concerns

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, assured Pacific allies of America’s continued commitment to the region. He moderated past statements labeling China as a threat during the Shangri-La defense conference in Singapore. Hegseth emphasized that the Pacific has significant implications for U.S. security and prosperity. The priority is maintaining a lasting and favorable power balance.

This marks his second appearance at the forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Last year, his warnings about China’s aggressive stance towards Taiwan drew Beijing’s ire. He mentioned that China is actively training for a military takeover of Taiwan daily.

This year’s meeting followed a visit by President Donald Trump to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump praised Xi as a great leader, indicating a positive future together. Hegseth stated China would not be allowed to dominate the Indo-Pacific region.

Hegseth accompanied Trump to Beijing and noted that both presidents agreed on a constructive, stable relationship based on equality and reciprocity. While protecting their respective interests, they aim for practical, mutually beneficial agreements when interests align. Still, preventing Chinese dominance remains a U.S. priority.

He acknowledged concerns over China’s historic military power rise and regional military expansion. A shared understanding exists that a Pacific dominated by any hegemon would disrupt the regional power balance and undermine sought stability.

Chinese Major General Meng Xiangqing praised Hegseth’s comments on the Trump-Xi meeting. He said their consensus provides strategic guidance for future U.S.-China relations. Xi emphasized positive stability focused on cooperation, healthy competition within reasonable limits, and managing differences for lasting peace.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, part of a congressional delegation at the conference, criticized the Trump administration for getting too close to China. She expressed worry that U.S. commitments in the Indo-Pacific might suffer due to distractions from other global conflicts. Duckworth is concerned about policies aligning with Beijing’s desires.

After the Trump-Xi meetings, Trump raised doubts about U.S. willingness to defend Taiwan. He mentioned a $14 billion arms sales package, not yet authorized, as a negotiation asset with China. China claims the self-ruled island, with Xi not ruling out forceful acquisition. The U.S. is legally bound to supply Taiwan with defensive means, following a strategic ambiguity policy on military intervention if China attacks.

Hegseth reassured the forum, stating no change in Taiwan’s status. He did not comment on the arms sale agreement, noting future decisions will rest with the President. He emphasized the need for allies to increase defense spending, advocating for partners over protectorates. He applauded several Asian countries’ efforts while criticizing European allies’ distractions with globalist rhetoric, refraining from naming any. Hegseth suggests Western Europe could learn pragmatism from their Asian counterparts.

Australia’s Defense Minister, Richard Marles, acknowledged the imperfections of the international rules-based order. He stressed renewing it, rather than disbanding it. Marles said applying rules empowers smaller states. When rules yield to power, sovereignty becomes a matter for the strong, negatively impacting all states, regardless of size.

At an event outside the conference, Hegseth, Marles, and UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced a new submarine drone initiative in their AUKUS partnership. AUKUS focuses primarily on nuclear-powered submarine development and construction. Under this initiative’s second pillar, they will invest in enhanced submarine drone capabilities.

Healey stated the collaboration would produce advanced sensors or weapons systems for submarine drones. This will aid in detecting threats, including those affecting underwater cables and pipelines.

Note: This story is a translation from English with the help of AI tools.