Hegseth says Chinese military action against Taiwan 'could be imminent'

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan "could be imminent," urging Indo-Pacific allies to increase defense spending to deter Beijing.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he stressed that China's ambitions pose a serious threat, adding that "any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world."

While some US officials believe China aims to invade Taiwan by 2027, they emphasize that an immediate attack is unlikely. Hegseth called for stronger defense investments from allies, noting that reliance on China's economy complicates decisions during conflicts. He also highlighted the need for European nations to play a significant role in regional security, despite a preference for them to focus on Europe.