BEIJING — On Sunday, China expressed strong disapproval of statements made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeling his claims a reflection of Cold War-era thinking. This comes amidst growing tensions between the U.S. and China, as the foreign ministry accused Hegseth of maligning Beijing at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference.
The Chinese government asserted that Hegseth’s comments were aimed at stirring conflict and hostility in the region. “Hegseth has ignored the regional call for peace and development, opting instead to promote a Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation,” the ministry stated, drawing parallels to the historical U.S.-Soviet tensions post-World War II. The statement went on to argue that no other nation, apart from the United States, fits the description of a hegemonic power, accusing Washington of destabilizing peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
In Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth emphasized the need for Washington to enhance its global defenses to respond to what the Pentagon views as significant threats from Beijing, particularly concerning its aggressive actions toward Taiwan. Hegseth remarked that China’s military “is rehearsing for the real deal,” underscoring the immediacy and seriousness of the perceived threat from China.
China’s response was swift, labeling Hegseth’s statements as a provocation. The foreign ministry reiterated that Taiwan is strictly a domestic issue for China, cautioning the U.S. against any involvement. Furthermore, it accused the U.S. of deploying offensive military assets in the South China Sea, inflaming tensions, and potentially turning the region into a “powder keg.” According to Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China’s defense ministry, Hegseth’s comments grossly misrepresented China’s policy.
Recent developments in U.S.-China relations have shown volatility despite a temporary trade truce forged last month. This agreement aimed to reduce tariffs on both sides, offering a window for more comprehensive negotiations. Yet, the truce appears fragile, with U.S. President Donald Trump recently hinting at renewed tensions over unfulfilled agreements by Beijing. Additionally, the decision by the U.S. to revoke certain visas for Chinese students has further strained ties.
At the Singapore forum, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro dismissed claims that the U.S. is the root of regional problems. The Philippines, embroiled in disputes with China over the South China Sea, has often clashed with China’s interpretations of fairness, which Teodoro suggested differ from global norms. China’s rebuttal to Teodoro’s comments described them as “groundless accusations,” asserting sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and attributing regional instability to external forces. The embassy accused unnamed powers of deploying offensive weapons and conducting frequent military exercises, exacerbating tensions.
In a related matter, the Chinese Embassy criticized attempts to equate the Taiwan situation with the war in Ukraine, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s warnings about potential double standards. Although not directly naming Macron, the embassy’s statement argued against applying double standards to assess such international issues.
Breaking from tradition, China sent a lower-profile delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Hu Gangfeng, to the Shangri-La forum this year, rather than the usual participation of their defense minister. This shift in representation reflects the nuanced and cautious approach China currently adopts in international defense dialogues.