Hegseth Warns of ‘Devastating Consequences’ Should China Seek to ‘Conquer’ Taiwan

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed that there would be “devastating consequences” should China seek to “conquer” Taiwan, in a speech that appeared to aim at easing concerns in Asia over the US commitment to its allies in the region. Despite Hegseth’s tough comments, it was unclear whether the speech would be enough to reassure anxious partners, particularly as the Trump administration has proposed stiff tariffs across the region and its movement of some military equipment out of the region. “The message of painting China as a security threat is going to receive a mixed reception” in the Asia Pacific, said Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at NTU. “Even as countries here want to be reassured of an enduring U.S. presence, not all of them are willing to accept or agree with Washington’s threat perceptions.”

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