Tensions between the United States and China appeared to intensify at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s most prominent security forum.
The U.S. used the platform to signal that countering China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific remains a key priority, while Beijing took a more reserved and cautious stance throughout the event.
In his debut speech at the forum, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued sharp warnings about Beijing’s growing military presence, especially around Taiwan, calling any forceful takeover attempt a move with “devastating consequences” for the region and beyond.
He emphasized that the threat posed by China is “real” and potentially “imminent,” urging regional allies to bolster their own defenses, dw.com reports.
China fired back quickly. Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, representing China’s People’s Liberation Army, dismissed Hegseth’s warnings as “groundless accusations.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry later condemned the U.S. remarks, accusing Washington of turning the Asia-Pacific into a “powder keg” through its military activities.
Notably, China did not send its defense minister, Dong Jun, to the summit and canceled its plenary session, which usually outlines Beijing’s Indo-Pacific vision.
While some Chinese scholars attributed the absence to scheduling conflicts, others viewed it as a deliberate move to avoid direct confrontation or difficult questions.
Analysts believe China is biding its time and may offer a more comprehensive response at the upcoming Beijing Xiangshan Forum later this year.
According to Taiwan-based expert Lin Ying-Yu, this more cautious approach could be strategic, with Beijing watching Washington’s moves before formulating a counter-strategy.
However, Lin also cautioned that China might resort to military pressure on Taiwan as a message to the U.S., adding that this potential development should be closely monitored in the months ahead.
