U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Indo-Pacific allies Saturday they won’t be left alone against growing military and economic pressure from China—but they must also boost their own defense efforts.
Hegseth said the U.S. will strengthen its overseas military presence to meet what the Pentagon sees as fast-growing threats from Beijing, especially China’s alleged aggressive moves toward Taiwan. Hegseth stated that China has run multiple exercises simulating a blockade of the self-governing island, which it claims as its own, while the U.S. has pledged to defend it.
He warned, “China’s army is rehearsing for the real deal. The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent.”
China’s delegation head, Rear Adm. Hu Gangfeng, dismissed the accusations as “groundless,” saying some claims were fabricated or distorted and accused the U.S. of trying to stir up conflict in the Asia-Pacific region.
China aims to have the military capability to take Taiwan by force by 2027—a goal experts see as more aspirational than fixed. The country has also built advanced artificial islands in the South China Sea and developed hypersonic and space weapons, prompting the U.S. to develop space-based missile defenses called the “Golden Dome.”
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth said China isn’t just building forces but is “actively training for it every day.” He also criticized China’s growing influence in Latin America, especially near the Panama Canal.
Hegseth urged Indo-Pacific nations to raise defense spending to about 5% of GDP, matching what European countries are now expected to contribute. “We must all do our part,” he said.
Afterwards, EU diplomat Kaja Kallas pushed back against Hegseth’s suggestion that Europe focus on its own defense and leave the Indo-Pacific mainly to the U.S., saying European and Asian security are “very much interlinked,” especially with North Korean troops fighting for Russia and China backing Moscow.
Since taking office in January, Trump's sweeping tariff decisions, ranging from steel to smartphones have shaken markets, sparked global tensions, and triggered legal battles, with major duties hitting China, the EU, and even U.S. allies.
At least 34 people have died in India’s northeast following days of torrential rains that triggered devastating floods and landslides, while thousands remain stranded as rescue operations intensify.
The UK will boost its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and push defence readiness in response to evolving global threats and shifting U.S. security commitments under President Trump.
Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister met with International Renewable Energy Agencys Director General to discuss cooperation on renewable energy and the global energy transition.
Global airline growth faces major hurdles from rising trade barriers and ongoing plane delivery delays amid record passenger numbers.
Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister met with International Renewable Energy Agencys Director General to discuss cooperation on renewable energy and the global energy transition.
Since taking office in January, Trump's sweeping tariff decisions, ranging from steel to smartphones have shaken markets, sparked global tensions, and triggered legal battles, with major duties hitting China, the EU, and even U.S. allies.
At least 34 people have died in India’s northeast following days of torrential rains that triggered devastating floods and landslides, while thousands remain stranded as rescue operations intensify.
The UK will boost its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and push defence readiness in response to evolving global threats and shifting U.S. security commitments under President Trump.
Global airline growth faces major hurdles from rising trade barriers and ongoing plane delivery delays amid record passenger numbers.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that 162 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight during what it described as a large-scale drone attack on its territory.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
Uzbekistan and Belarus are strengthening their trade and industrial cooperation, aiming to boost joint business projects and economic ties.
Since taking office in January, Trump's sweeping tariff decisions, ranging from steel to smartphones have shaken markets, sparked global tensions, and triggered legal battles, with major duties hitting China, the EU, and even U.S. allies.
Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister met with International Renewable Energy Agencys Director General to discuss cooperation on renewable energy and the global energy transition.
Since taking office in January, Trump's sweeping tariff decisions, ranging from steel to smartphones have shaken markets, sparked global tensions, and triggered legal battles, with major duties hitting China, the EU, and even U.S. allies.
At least 34 people have died in India’s northeast following days of torrential rains that triggered devastating floods and landslides, while thousands remain stranded as rescue operations intensify.
The UK will boost its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and push defence readiness in response to evolving global threats and shifting U.S. security commitments under President Trump.
Global airline growth faces major hurdles from rising trade barriers and ongoing plane delivery delays amid record passenger numbers.
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