Hegseth says at Singapore security forum the threat from China is real
發佈日期: 2025-05-31 20:50
TVB News
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched strongly worded criticism of China at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
He said the threat from China is "real and could be imminent" as he urged other Asian countries not to become economically reliant on China.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had already been meeting leaders and allies in Singapore. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles was one.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister received a warm hand shake. Hegseth and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro discussed the absence of China's Defence Minister Dong Jun.
And Hegseth said it was an honour to be greeted and hosted by Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as he prepared to speak at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
PETE HEGSETH, U.S. Defense Secretary: "We do not seek conflict with Communist China. We will not instigate nor seek to subjugate or humiliate. President Trump and the American people have an immense respect for the Chinese people and their civilisation. But we will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated. China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia. No doubt."
Hegseth then launched a blistering criticism..
PETE HEGSETH: "China harasses its neighbours, many of which are here in the room today. China seeks to intimidate you in your own waters. Again, to be clear, any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world. There's no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent, we hope not. But it certainly could be."
RICHARD MARLES, Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister: "The commitment underscored by U.S. Secretary of Defence Hegseth today that the Indo-Pacific is the United States strategic priority is deeply welcomed. Reality is that there is no effective balance of power in this region, absent the United States. But we cannot leave it to the United States alone."
European leader also in Singapore. After Emmanuel Macron had told Hegseth in the audience that France does not want daily instruction on what "is and is not allowed," the EU warning about North Korea's alliance with Russia.
KAJA KALLAS, EU Foreign Policy Chief: "North Korea directly contributes to the illegal aggression with soldiers, arms and ammunition. And China says it's neutral, but its dual use experts are fuelling Russia's war. When China and Russia speak of leading together, the change is not seen in 100 years and of revisions of the global security order. We should all be extremely worried."
Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, sitting alongside Kallas and also speaking from a similar hymn sheet. He accused Russia and China of undermining the effectiveness of international law, which he says threatens a peaceful international community.
Nakatani met with Hegseth whose stringing comments were backed up by U.S. allies in the absence of a high-level delegation from China.
