According to webangah News agency, US Defense Secretary pete Hegseth declared during the opening ceremony of the Shangri-La Dialog security summit in Singapore: “We take pride in returning to the indo-Pacific region, and we’re here to stay. This theater remains our strategic priority.”
Hegseth added: “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re committed to securing peace through strength and preventing aggression in the Indo-Pacific through deterrence.”
the defense secretary criticized the Biden management, stating: “The world witnessed a weakened America during Biden’s tenure, but that era has ended.”
Hegseth emphasized: “The US is reallocating capabilities to deter Communist china’s aggression. We don’t seek war with China but won’t allow our expulsion from this strategic region or let allies fall under domination.”
Outlining trump administration policies, he clarified: “Our approach recognizes military power but prioritizes trade-based engagement and sovereignty over conflict.”
The secretary condemned China’s activities in East Asia, asserting: “Any unilateral attempt to alter the South China Sea status quo through force is unacceptable. beijing illegally controls and militarizes parts of these waters.”
Warning about threats toward Taiwan, Hegseth revealed: “China’s military rapidly develops invasion capabilities against taiwan, conducting daily drills for this scenario. We certainly know President Xi ordered readiness for a taiwan attack by 2027.”
The Pentagon chief announced new defenses with Manila: “We’ve deployed mobile anti-ship missile systems in Luzon Strait between Philippines and Taiwan through bilateral cooperation.”
Concluding with stark warnings for Beijing, Hegseth stated: “Any Chinese assault on taiwan would bring catastrophic regional and global consequences.”
