Singapore: Tensions between the United States and China escalated at a key security summit in Singapore on Saturday after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that Beijing was "credibly preparing" to use military force in Asia — drawing a sharp rebuke from China’s embassy, which labelled his speech “steeped in provocations and instigation”.

Delivering a forceful address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth had declared that the United States was “here to stay” in the Indo-Pacific, accusing China of attempting to upend the regional balance of power.

"The threat China poses is real and it could be imminent," Hegseth said, adding that Beijing was “credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.” He further warned that the Chinese military was developing the capacity to invade Taiwan and “rehearsing for the real deal”.

Asserting that the region was “America’s priority theatre”, Hegseth said, “China cannot dominate us -- or our allies and partners”. He urged US allies to upgrade their military capabilities, citing Europe’s recent increases in defence spending. “Asian allies should look to countries in Europe for a newfound example,” he said, pointing to NATO countries like Germany that are moving towards Trump’s five percent of GDP target. “Deterrence doesn't come on the cheap.”

The Chinese Embassy in Singapore swiftly condemned the speech, saying in a statement posted on Facebook: "The speech is steeped in provocations and instigation." The statement continued: "Mr Hegseth repeatedly smeared and attacked China and relentlessly played up the so-called 'China threat'," accusing Washington of being the "biggest troublemaker" in the region.

In a separate response at the forum, Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng of the People’s Liberation Army National Defence University, who led China’s delegation to the summit, said without naming Hegseth that “these actions are essentially about stirring up trouble, creating division, inciting confrontation, and destabilising the Asia-Pacific.”

Beijing, which did not send any top defence ministry officials this year, was represented at the summit by Hu’s team.

Hegseth’s remarks come amid rising friction between the US and China over trade, technology and territorial disputes. President Donald Trump, since taking office, has launched a trade war with Beijing, imposed restrictions on Chinese access to AI technologies, and bolstered defence ties with countries like the Philippines, which is engaged in mounting disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Hegseth accused China of “endangering lives with cyber attacks,” “harassing its neighbours,” and “illegally seizing and militarising lands” in disputed maritime zones. The South China Sea, which carries over 60 percent of global maritime trade, has seen multiple confrontations between Chinese vessels and those of Southeast Asian nations, particularly the Philippines.

Coinciding with Hegseth’s speech, China’s military announced “routine combat readiness patrols” by its navy and air force around the Scarborough Shoal — a flashpoint it contests with the Philippines.

The two-day summit, which has drawn defence officials from across the world, is unfolding amid growing global concerns over the militarisation of the Indo-Pacific and the possibility of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Hegseth reiterated Trump's vow that “China will not invade (Taiwan) on his watch.”

While the US reaffirmed its military presence in the region, it also signalled expectations for allies to take on greater responsibilities in deterring Chinese aggression.

With both sides trading accusations, the forum highlighted the growing chasm between Washington and Beijing — one that continues to shape the strategic landscape of Asia.