China "deplores and firmly opposes" negative statements directed at it by U.S. Defense Secretary, Foreign Ministry spokesperson says

China "deplores and firmly opposes" negative statements directed at it by U.S. Defense Secretary, Foreign Ministry spokesperson says

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has drawn strong reactions from China following his recent remarks at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore. Hegseth warned Indo-Pacific allies of the growing military and economic pressure from China and called for increased defense spending among regional countries. This comes as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate.

Hegseth emphasized that the threat posed by China is real and imminent, citing the potential for catastrophic consequences if China were to seize Taiwan. He also drew a parallel between the European experience under President Trump, urging Asian allies to take similar steps to bolster their defense capabilities [2].

In response, China has issued a stern rebuke. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the remarks made by Hegseth are "deplorable and firmly opposed." Rear Adm. Hu Gangfeng, vice president of China's National Defense University, accused Hegseth of making "groundless accusations" and distorting facts. China maintains that the U.S. is attempting to provoke trouble and destabilize the Asia-Pacific region [4].

Meanwhile, the U.S. has been increasing its military presence in the region. The Pentagon has plans to enhance arms supplies to Taiwan, a move aimed at deterring China's growing military pressure [2]. Additionally, the U.S. is advancing its Golden Dome missile defense program, which has drawn criticism from China and other nations for its potential to militarize space and trigger an arms race [3].

The ongoing diplomatic and military tensions between the U.S. and China have significant implications for global financial markets. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, as they could potentially impact trade routes, geopolitical stability, and economic growth in the region.

References:

[1] https://www.djournal.com/news/nation-world/us-defense-secretary-warns-indo-pacific-allies-of-imminent-threat-from-china/article_2c1089b7-3d92-5fa8-a6b0-8e7fb862dfea.html
[2] https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/us-defense-secretary-warns-of-china-threat-calls-for-indo-pacific-defense-boost/
[3] https://www.newsweek.com/china-news-warns-us-trump-golden-dome-missile-defense-system-2078791
[4] https://news.az/news/us-defense-secretary-hegseth-vows-support-for-allies-against-china-pressure