Overview

• Hegseth warned that China is “rehearsing for the real deal” and poses an imminent threat to Taiwan and the regional balance of power.
• He pledged that the U.S. will bolster its overseas military presence to back Indo-Pacific allies facing Beijing’s growing assertiveness.
• The defense chief urged partners to raise defense budgets toward 5% of GDP, citing NATO’s burden-sharing as a model.
• China’s decision to send a low-level delegation instead of Defense Minister Dong Jun to Shangri-La was highlighted as a diplomatic snub.
• Allies are responding to U.S. calls for greater military readiness, with Australia open to more defense spending and the Pentagon moving to accelerate arms sales to Taiwan.