China has responded to U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth’s remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, calling them provocative and indicative of a “Cold War mentality.”

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Hegseth’s speech on Saturday ignored the region’s desire for peace and development, instead promoting bloc confrontation, defaming China, and falsely portraying it as a threat.

The ministry’s spokesperson stated that Hegseth’s remarks were intended to sow discord and that China strongly opposes them, lodging a formal protest with the U.S. The statement further accused the U.S. of being the true hegemonic power and the primary source of instability in the Asia-Pacific.

Hegseth had stated on Saturday that the U.S. would strengthen its overseas defenses to counter China’s rapidly developing threats, particularly towards Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

Hegseth asserted that China is actively training to take Taiwan, viewing the threat as real and potentially imminent.

He claimed China is no longer just building up its military but actively preparing to seize Taiwan.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry countered by stating that Taiwan is an internal matter and that the U.S. should not use it as leverage against China or “play with fire.” They urged the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, and to cease supporting “Taiwan independence” movements.

The statement also accused the U.S. of deploying offensive weapons in the South China Sea, “stoking flames,” creating tensions, and turning the Asia-Pacific region into a “powder keg.”

Regarding the South China Sea, the ministry asserted that there are no issues with freedom of navigation and overflight.

The spokesperson added that China is committed to resolving differences through dialogue while safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights. They reiterated that the U.S. is the main factor undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The statement concluded by urging the U.S. to respect regional efforts to maintain peace, stop disrupting the stable environment, and cease inciting conflict and escalating tensions.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang echoed these sentiments, calling Hegseth’s comments a distortion of China’s policies and a provocation.

While Hegseth pledged to bolster U.S. defenses against potential Chinese threats, he also emphasized the need for allies in the Indo-Pacific to increase their own defense contributions.

Hegseth stated that the U.S. insists that its allies and partners do their part on defense, sometimes requiring “uncomfortable and tough conversations.”

Last month, the U.S. and China agreed to reduce tariffs to 115% for 90 days to facilitate a more substantial agreement, with U.S. tariffs on China decreasing from 145% to 30% and China’s taxes on the U.S. dropping from 125% to 10%.

However, Trump stated on social media Friday that he would no longer be “nice” with China on trade, accusing Beijing of violating an unspecified agreement.

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