SINGAPORE: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the imminent threat from China during the Shangri-La Dialogue, urging Indo-Pacific allies to enhance their defense spending. He warned that any Chinese attempt to conquer Taiwan would have severe global repercussions. Hegseth’s remarks on boosting defense budgets may unsettle allies, but he justified the call for increased spending by highlighting the need for collective security amidst rising military tensions in the region.
