Pete Hegseth calls on Asia to boost military spending in face of ‘imminent’ threat from China | Pete Hegseth
The US Secretary of Defense called on Asian countries to strengthen their military spending to increase regional deterrence against China, which was “training on the real deal” when it comes to control Taiwan.
Beit Higseth, who addresses Shangri’s dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, rejected pledges to increase the American presence in the Indian Pacific Ocean and clarify a set of new joint projects, including expanding the scope of access to the military ship and aircraft, including Australia.
“We allies in the Indian Pacific Ocean can and they must upgrade their own defenses,” he said.
“It should be clear to everyone that Beijing is preparing with credibility to use potential military force to change the balance of power in the Indian Pacific … There is no reason to disinfect sugar. The threat that China poses is real, and it may be imminent.”
He said that the Donald Trump administration had it European countries have prompted their defensive spendingWith a greater “burden” to respond to conflicts in their region, it is time for Asian countries to do the same.
Higseth, which was revealed in March Significance group chat that Europe was “compassionate” and “independent download” Regarding the American security support in the region, the Singapore Conference told that it is “difficult to believe” that he says this now, but Asian countries must “look at the allies in Europe as a new example.”
“Determination does not come on cheap … the time is the essence.”
He said that the renewed European focus on their region-especially the Russia-Ukraine war-allowed the United States to convert the focus into a “priority theater” in the Indian Pacific Ocean.
Higseth said that the United States did not seek to “pressure” the Asian countries “to adopt or adopt policies or ideologies,” but instead it wanted “to work with you as our common interests are compatible for peace and prosperity.”
He said: “We are not here to fight you about climate change or cultural issues.” “But a threat collects.
“We do not seek to conflict with Communist China. We will not seek to incite, subjugate, or insult China. President Trump and the United States respect China and their civilization. But we will not get out of this critical area.”
In his speech, Higseth also moved to the absence of any major Chinese delegate at this year’s conference. “We are here this morning, especially someone else is not.”
It seemed that Higseth refers to French President Emmanuel Macron comments at the conference on Friday This is “the meaning of that [the US’s] The promise may not even be that iron is initiated in new instability. “
“The coalition cannot be iron if it is actually or perceived one -sided,” Higseth said on Saturday. “With the participation of the allies in the burden, we can increase our focus on the Indian Pacific Ocean, our priority theater.”
He said that the United States will take the first shooting test ever for a medium -term power system in Australia “in the coming months, and has sought cooperation and joint exercises. It will also establish reform capacity and capacity programs in the region, including the P-8 radar systems in Australia for the United States and its allies, with the expansion of regional ship reform contracts.
Higseth’s speech has reiterated a lot of the Trump administration’s defensive position – to blame the previous administration of problems, pledged to strengthen the US military and secure the American border against unorganized immigration, with the repeated plans of “restoring the Panama Channel”.
He said that Trump was spending one dollar – an increase of 13 % – on the defense next year, citing advanced arms plans, including the controversial golden dome.
Talk to Singapore After Higseth’s speech, US Democratic Senator Tami Dakurth told the correspondents that his comments about the remaining United States in the India and the Pacific region were welcome, but he found his words “Caring for our friends in the Pacific Indian Ocean in particular.”
“I must say his idea that we will turn around – we do not need this type of language. We just need to stand together,” said Dakrth.
“The United States does not ask people to choose between the United States [China] … But we will make sure to maintain international standards and ask our friends to help us support them. “
