Overview

• At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said China is “credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific” and warned the threat could be imminent.
• China’s foreign ministry condemned Hegseth’s remarks as “filled with provocations and intended to sow division,” accusing Washington of promoting a Cold War mentality and stoking regional tensions.
• Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles supported the US assessment, citing China’s “single biggest increase in military capability and buildup” since World War II.
• Beijing sent a downgraded delegation led by Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng in place of its defense minister, signaling its displeasure with the forum’s tone.
• Trade relations remain fragile as a 90-day tariff reduction deal faces doubt and the US moves to revoke visas for Chinese students.