US Defense Secretary Beit Higseth warned today that China is preparing with confidence for a possible use of the military power to change the balance of power in the Indian and Hadi area, and described the danger that China poses as real and brutal.
Higseth – who was speaking for the first time at the Asian Changerlla Forum for Defense leaders, armies and diplomats in Singapore – confirmed that the Chinese military forces are building their capabilities to invade Taiwan, and they are training daily “on the real task.”
He considered that any attempt by China to invade Taiwan “will lead to severe consequences for the Indian, Guardian and world surrounding region,” echoing the American Donald Trump’s statement that China will not invade Taiwan during his reign.
Higseth pointed to strengthening cooperation with his country’s allies – including Japan and the Philippines – and deepening the military partnership with India, saying that the United States “is redirecting itself to deter the Communist aggression of China.”
Washington’s allies and partners in the region urged increased spending on their armies to confront the Chinese threat.
“It is difficult to believe that I say this, but thanks to President Trump, the Asian allies should look at countries in Europe as a new example,” said Higseth. “Citing the move of member states of NATO (NATO) – including Germany – towards the goal of spending Trump by 5% of GDP.
Its comments on the allies need to increase the spending of partners are likely to raise the concern of partners, although experts believe that Higseth will face a relatively friendly audience in Singapore.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong John decided not to participate in the main Asian security forum, and Beijing only sent an academic delegation.
China, Taiwan, considers a region of its affiliated and pledged to “restore the union” with the island if necessary, and has made its military and political pressure to confirm its pledges, including increasing the severity of war exercises around Taiwan.
The Taiwan government rejects Beijing’s allegations of sovereignty, stressing that the people of the island alone are the ones who decide their future.