U.S. Defense Chief Says Ready to ‘Fight and Win’ Against China, Urges Asian Allies to Boost Defense Spending

SINGAPORE — In a powerful address at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared that the United States is fully prepared to “fight and win” against China if deterrence fails, urging Asian allies to significantly increase defense spending and deepen military coordination.

Washington Sends Strong Warning Amid Rising Tensions in Asia

Speaking before a global audience of political and defense leaders, Hegseth emphasized the urgency of responding to China's growing military pressure in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

“China wants to fundamentally alter the region’s status quo. We cannot ignore it,” said Hegseth. “This is a wake-up call.”

Hegseth also criticized the absence of China’s Defense Minister at the summit:

“We are here this morning. Somebody else isn’t,” he said, taking a subtle jab at Beijing’s decision to downgrade its representation.

U.S. Calls on Allies to Share the Defense Burden

In a push for collective defense, Hegseth insisted that America's allies in the Indo-Pacific must step up:

“We ask — and insist — that our allies and partners do their part. Defense isn’t cheap, and deterrence requires investment.”

The call comes amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, which have reshaped global security dynamics.

China Skips Shangri-La Dialogue’s Top-Level Talks

For the first time since 2019, China did not send its defense minister to the Shangri-La Dialogue. Instead, a lower-ranking official, Major General Hu Gangfeng, led the Chinese delegation. Analysts view this as an attempt by Beijing to avoid direct confrontation with the U.S. on sensitive issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea.

“China prefers bilateral, closed-door dialogue where it controls the narrative,” noted Drew Thompson, a former U.S. Defense Department official.

U.S. Prepares Major Arms Sales to Taiwan

In another significant development, Washington plans to increase weapons sales to Taiwan, surpassing the $18.3 billion sold during Trump’s previous term and the $8.4 billion under Biden.

The new arms packages are expected to focus on missiles, munitions, and drones — systems aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities as Beijing steps up military pressure.

“Taiwan will get what it needs,” a U.S. defense official told Reuters.

Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has strongly opposed U.S. arms sales and threatened to use force if Taiwan moves toward formal independence.

U.S. to Counter China’s Influence in the Western Hemisphere

Hegseth also pledged to block Chinese influence in the Panama Canal, calling it “key terrain.”

“China didn’t build that canal. We did. We won’t allow them to weaponize or control it.”

This move underscores broader U.S. concerns about China's expanding global footprint, not just in Asia but also in Latin America and Africa.

China: “We’re Ready for Any War”

In March, China responded to rising tensions by declaring that it was ready for “any type of war” with the U.S., be it trade, tech, or military.

“If war is what the U.S. wants, we’re ready to fight till the end,” said the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

Conclusion

Secretary Hegseth’s forceful speech at Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 signals a hardening of the U.S. stance toward China. As tensions flare over Taiwan, trade, and maritime disputes, the U.S. is strengthening its alliances, ramping up deterrence, and preparing for possible escalation — even as diplomatic engagement with Beijing appears to be shrinking.

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Source: CNBC