Pentagon Chief Warns U.S. Is Ready to 'Fight and Win' Against China, Urges Allies to Boost Defense Budgets

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a stark message at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, declaring that the United States is prepared to "fight and win" a conflict with China if deterrence fails. His comments came as he urged Asian allies to increase military spending and enhance defense coordination in the face of rising regional tensions.

“China’s behavior toward its neighbors is a wake-up call, and an urgent one,” Hegseth said, warning of Beijing’s attempts to rewrite the regional status quo, particularly in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

The Pentagon chief’s remarks were underscored by the notable absence of China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun from the annual summit. Instead, China dispatched a lower-ranking delegation, casting doubt over any potential bilateral defense talks with the U.S. this year.

Hegseth also highlighted concerns about China's activities near the Taiwan Strait and its growing influence over strategic assets like the Panama Canal, vowing not to let Beijing “weaponize” such infrastructure. “We built that canal,” he stated. “We will not allow China to control it.”

The speech comes amid stalled U.S.-China trade negotiations and escalating military posturing in Asia. Meanwhile, Washington plans to ramp up arms sales to Taiwan beyond previous administrations, focusing on missiles, drones, and munitions to enhance the island’s defenses.

Experts suggest Beijing’s no-show reflects its preference for bilateral, closed-door engagement rather than high-profile multilateral forums. Still, the absence signals deeper distrust amid ongoing flashpoints over Taiwan, trade, and maritime security.

“The U.S. is doubling down on deterrence,” said one defense analyst in Singapore. “But without China at the table, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.”