“Deterrence doesn’t come cheap, and time is
of the essence,” Hegseth declared, referencing China’s ongoing military
preparations around Taiwan, which he said looked alarmingly like rehearsals for
an actual invasion.
While pledging continued US commitment to
the Indo-Pacific, Hegseth stressed that regional allies must take more
responsibility for their own security, echoing the Trump administration’s
previous stance toward Europe. “Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially
use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific,” he
warned.
Asia
Urged to Follow Europe’s Lead
In a surprising turn, Hegseth pointed to
Europe’s increased defence spending amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a model
for Asia. “It’s hard to believe I’m saying this,” he joked, referencing past
criticisms of Europe’s dependence on US support. “But now, our Asian allies
should look to Europe as an example of shared burden.”
His comments follow a recent IISS report
revealing a sharp rise in Asian military spending, currently averaging 1.5% of
GDP.
Tactical
Moves in the Indo-Pacific
Hegseth
also unveiled a series of upcoming US-led initiatives:
- Live-fire
tests of new mid-range missile systems in Australia.
- Expanded ship
and aircraft repair infrastructure in the region.
- Greater
integration for P-8 radar systems among US allies.
“We will not be pushed out of this critical
region,” Hegseth asserted, clarifying that the US seeks cooperation based on
shared interests—not ideological alignment.
No
Senior Chinese Delegate, but All Eyes on Beijing
Notably, China did not send a senior
representative to the event—an absence Hegseth pointedly referenced: “We are
here this morning, and notably, someone else isn’t.”
His remarks echoed a growing regional
anxiety over Beijing’s assertiveness, even as French President Emmanuel Macron
noted rising doubts over the strength of the US’s security commitments.
Backlash
and Bipartisan Nuance
US
Senator Tammy Duckworth, speaking shortly after Hegseth, welcomed the emphasis
on Indo-Pacific cooperation but criticized his tone as “patronising.” Duckworth
reaffirmed that bipartisan support for the region is strong, but urged more
inclusive language.
“We
don’t need to be wrapped around—we need to stand together,” she emphasized,
distancing legislative consensus from the Trump administration’s often
unilateral style.
Stay
tuned with PulseNext for more updates on global security, Asia-Pacific
dynamics, and defence developments shaping the world order.
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