On a global stage in Singapore, the U.S. Defense Secretary emphasized America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific, assuring countries in the region that they won’t stand alone against growing pressures from China, both militarily and economically.
However, he made it clear that these nations need to increase their defense investments independently. Highlighting an escalated focus on the region, he stated that the U.S. intends to enhance its defensive presence to counter potential threats that China poses, particularly regarding Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own.
China’s military has been engaging in drills that simulate blockading Taiwan, demonstrating its mounting aggression towards the island. During a security conference, the Defense Secretary declared, “We are not going to sugarcoat it — the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent.”
The session faced some friction as a representative from China’s delegation accused the U.S. of unfair claims, describing them as “groundless accusations” aimed at inciting discord and confrontation within the Asia-Pacific region.
Expressing concerns over China’s growing influence in other global regions, the U.S. official mentioned China’s interests in Latin America, citing the Panama Canal as a strategic point of focus.
He called upon nations in the Indo-Pacific to mirror defense spending by European countries, aiming for a fiscal target similar to 5% of their GDP.
Following his remarks, a top EU diplomat countered the suggestion that European security efforts should remain regional, arguing that the security of Europe and Asia are interlinked, especially with developments such as North Korea’s involvement in conflicts and support from Russia and China.
Despite reiterating longstanding promises from previous U.S. administrations to pivot military focus to the Pacific, a complete shift remains unfulfilled. This is due to redirected resources to address situations in the Middle East and Europe. Recently, the U.S. redirected key military assets, like a missile defense system, away from the Pacific to meet urgent needs elsewhere.
The Defense Secretary navigated through questions about this reprioritization, describing it as necessary despite affirmations that the Indo-Pacific is a strategic priority.
He underscored that partnerships and alliances are pivotal to countering China’s aspirations, urging allies and partners to engage in more active defense preparations.
Asian countries, balancing relationships with both the U.S. and China, face intricate choices. Many rely on China as their primary economic partner but worry about its increasingly assertive claims and actions.
While the Defense Secretary warned against the risks of relying too heavily on Chinese economic support, he sidestepped articulating a policy on trade that had come under fire due to the hefty tariffs enacted by the previous U.S. administration, which critics argue have caused more harm than good.
Australia’s Defense Minister supported the call for a concerted effort but noted that trade tensions have been counterproductive.
The absence of China’s defense minister at the conference was noted, with the U.S. delegation interpreting it as a tactical advantage.
Responding to inquiries about whether American support remains steadfast amid potential divergent interests within Asian alliances, the Defense Secretary reassured that the U.S. intends to embrace both traditional and non-traditional alliances without imposing cultural or climate conditions.