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Key Points

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that China is actively preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific, with Taiwan as a key flashpoint. He emphasized the need for the US to strengthen its military-industrial base to counter Beijing's growing aggression. Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine echoed concerns, calling PLA drills "rehearsals for forced unification." Taiwan's defence ministry is closely tracking PLA movements amid escalating regional tensions.

Key Points: Pentagon Chief Hegseth Warns China Preparing for War Over Taiwan

  • Hegseth calls China the US pacing threat
  • PLA rehearsing invasion via Taiwan drills
  • US must revitalize defence industry
  • Taiwan monitors rising PLA aggression
2 min read

Pentagon Chief warns China preparing for war, labels Beijing top threat to US

US Defence Secretary labels China as top threat, citing military buildup near Taiwan and global ambitions while urging US military revitalization.

"Beijing is preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific as part of its broader strategy to dominate that region and then the world. – Pete Hegseth"

Washington D.C., June 12

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that China poses a more aggressive threat to the US and that repelling Beijing is the Pentagon's top regional priority, despite its rapid military development and invasion manoeuvres near Taiwan, according to a Taipei Times report.

"Our pacing threat is communist China," Hegseth told the US House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence during an oversight meeting with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine. "Beijing is preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific as part of its broader strategy to dominate that region and then the world," Hegseth said, adding that if it succeeds, it may impede US reindustrialization and choke its economy, according to the Taipei Times.

Hegseth believes US President Donald Trump's "peace through strength" strategy is the appropriate response, and that the stagnating US defence industrial base must be revitalised. "China is undertaking a historic military buildup and actively rehearsing for an invasion of Taiwan," he said, adding that only having the world's most powerful and lethal military--focused on protecting key US interests--can effectively deter adversaries and win a potential conflict, according to the Taipei Times report.

Caine stated that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is demonstrating its capabilities through military pressure, as operations against Taiwan grow in size, frequency, and complexity. "These violent actions are not ordinary exercises; they are rehearsals for a forced unification," he stated.

According to the Taipei Times, Hegseth and Caine's comments were in line with warnings issued by US Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific force.

The deployment of integrated deterrence is one of the aspects that will help maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait, Minister of National Defence Wellington Koo told the legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee in Taipei yesterday.

According to Koo, the Ministry of National Defence is closely monitoring PLA manoeuvres, as Beijing may shift from training to invasion. Chinese military exercises--whether announced or unannounced--are growing in size, he said. The military has always focused on responding to the onset of war, but it is also studying military responses to "grey zone" tactics and how threat levels should be calculated for such incidents, according to the Taipei Times.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
The US is finally waking up to what we in India have known for years. China's aggression isn't limited to Taiwan - look at our borders in Ladakh and Arunachal. Their military expansion threatens the entire region. India must strengthen ties with like-minded nations to counter this. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While China's actions are concerning, I worry this US rhetoric might escalate tensions unnecessarily. War benefits no one. India should play a mediating role - we have historical ties with both nations and understand regional complexities better than the West.
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Amit S.
China's military drills near Taiwan mirror what they do along our borders. The pattern is clear - they test boundaries (literally!) and then claim territory. India needs to invest more in indigenous defense manufacturing ASAP. Atmanirbhar Bharat isn't just a slogan!
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Sunita R.
The US suddenly cares about Asia only when their interests are threatened. Where was this concern during Doklam or Galwan? We Indians must handle our security ourselves rather than depend on others. Still, cooperation on technology sharing would be welcome 🤝
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Vikram J.
China's actions are destabilizing the entire Indo-Pacific. Their debt-trap diplomacy in Sri Lanka and Nepal shows their long game. India must counter this through stronger economic partnerships with neighbors. Trade, not threats, is the answer.
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Neha P.
The Taiwan issue is complex, but one thing is clear - no country should bully others into submission. Whether it's Taiwan's sovereignty or our border villages in Arunachal, the principle remains the same. Strength through diplomacy first, but defense readiness is crucial.

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