U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s commitment to its allies in the Indo-Pacific during a speech Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, warning that Chinese military action against Taiwan could be “imminent.”

Addressing a gathering of regional and global defense leaders, Hegseth emphasized that the Indo-Pacific remains a strategic priority for the United States under the Trump administration. He outlined growing concerns over Beijing’s military posture, particularly its aggressive maneuvers near Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

“We do not seek conflict with Communist China. We will not instigate, subjugate, or humiliate,” Hegseth said. “President Trump and the American people have immense respect for the Chinese people and their rich civilization—but we will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not allow our allies to be intimidated or undermined.”

China has dramatically expanded its military capabilities in recent years, intensifying naval and air operations around Taiwan. These actions—described by Taipei as near-daily incursions—have raised fears of a possible military attempt to reclaim the self-governing island, which Beijing views as a breakaway province.

“Nobody knows exactly what China will do,” Hegseth noted. “But they are preparing—and so must we. Urgency and vigilance are our only options.”

Hegseth stressed that the U.S. is not seeking war, but is preparing to deter one through strength. “We are preparing for war, to deter war—to achieve peace through strength,” he said. “And we call on our allies and partners to stand with us in this critical endeavor. The threats we face are pressing, and we must act now.”

The Defense Secretary made it clear that any attempt by China to take Taiwan by force would have “devastating consequences” for the region and the world. He added that military action could come sooner than the 2027 deadline previously cited by Chinese President Xi Jinping for full combat readiness.

“There is no reason to sugarcoat it,” Hegseth said. “The threat posed by China is real. And while we hope otherwise, it could be imminent.”

Hegseth also raised concerns over China’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly its repeated harassment of Philippine vessels operating in international waters. Beijing continues to assert broad territorial claims in the region, escalating tensions with other countries, including U.S. treaty allies.

U.S.-China relations have further deteriorated following President Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Chinese goods. In response, Beijing announced retaliatory tariffs, with both sides entering a fragile and temporary agreement to ease trade restrictions.

Despite the tensions, Hegseth reiterated Washington’s willingness to engage diplomatically while standing firm on its commitments. “We stand with our friends, we stand for peace, and we stand ready,” he concluded.