Tensions between China and the United States are once again rising—this time sparked by comments from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. In his speech, Hegseth labeled China as a threat to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, prompting a sharp rebuke from Beijing.
🔹 China Accuses U.S. of Provocation and Global Hegemony
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaokang accused the U.S. of sowing discord, provoking confrontation, and pursuing selfish interests. He warned that if the U.S. continues down this path, it will have to face the consequences.
The statement came shortly after Hegseth publicly criticized Beijing for not sending its defense minister to the forum—a break from tradition that left China absent from key military diplomacy with global powers.
Taiwan at the Center of the Dispute
In a separate response, China’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S. “the world’s true hegemonic power”, saying it is the main destabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific region. The ministry also warned Washington to “stop playing with fire” over Taiwan, after Hegseth remarked that a confrontation over the island “could be imminent.”
This year’s forum broke with past norms, as China did not open Sunday’s session with its usual high-ranking military representative. Instead, Vice Admiral Hu Kangfeng, vice president of the National Defense University, avoided addressing the absence of Defense Minister Dong Jun.
“It’s standard protocol for us to send delegations at various levels. It doesn’t affect our ability to explain our defense policy or engage in communication,” Hu stated.
Lower Visibility and Harsh Rhetoric Beyond the Forum
China’s presence at this year’s event was clearly more subdued. Unlike in 2024, when the delegation held press briefings and student-led roundtables, no such public events were held this year.
Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong joined the criticism, posting on X that Hegseth’s remarks amounted to fearmongering and saber-rattling.
“If this isn’t fear-mongering, then what is?” he said. “It’s wishful thinking to believe many in the region will accept such self-centered and delusional rhetoric.”
Embassy Statements Target Hegseth and Macron
The Chinese Embassy in Singapore issued two strongly worded Facebook posts.
🔹 One targeted French President Emmanuel Macron for comparing the West’s response to the war in Ukraine with a potential crisis in Taiwan, calling the analogy “unacceptable.”
🔹 The other criticized Hegseth for “smearing and attacking China” and pushing the narrative of a so-called “China threat.”
“In reality, the U.S. is the biggest disruptor of peace and stability in the region,” the embassy stated.
Such public criticism of the Shangri-La Dialogue from Chinese diplomats is rare, as they usually remain behind the scenes coordinating logistics for the military delegation.
Rare Exchange Between Chinese and U.S. Officials
During one of the forum’s few direct confrontations, Senior Colonel Zhang Chi from the National Defense University asked Hegseth how the U.S. would prioritize allies over Southeast Asian countries, considering many of its security frameworks exclude ASEAN members.
It was one of the rare moments when a Chinese official openly challenged U.S. policy during the forum.
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