Hegseth promotes unity against China in Singapore visit with Asian defense officials

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday emphasized unity against China in his visit to Singapore where he met with Asian defense leaders.

Hegseth said China poses an “imminent” threat to the Indo-Pacific region.

“Here in the Indo-Pacific, our futures are bound together,” Hegseth said. “We share your vision of peace and stability, of prosperity and security. And we are here to stay. And as a matter of fact, we are here this morning, somebody else isn’t.”

Hegseth met with Singapore’s Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing during the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit.

He also met with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang.

“Both leaders appreciated progress in the bilateral defense relationship, reflecting that 2025 is the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” the Pentagon said.