
Introduction
This article was flagged for fact-checking after claims emerged that Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defense Secretary, made a speech at a regional security conference in Singapore warning of an “imminent” Chinese threat to Taiwan. The user wants to know whether these statements reflect verifiable intelligence or are instead political narratives meant to influence partner nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Historical Context
Tensions between China and the U.S. over Taiwan and the South China Sea have escalated over the past two decades. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and vows to retake it by force if necessary, while Taiwan maintains a separate, democratically elected government. The U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan as independent but provides military support and warns against any Chinese military aggression. Annual dialogues like the Shangri-La Conference often showcase these competing narratives, making it vital to distinguish rhetoric from verifiable developments.
Fact-Check of Specific Claims
Claim #1: China is “credibly preparing to potentially use military force” against Taiwan
Hegseth’s assertion that China is “credibly preparing” to use military force against Taiwan echoes recent intelligence analysis, but the term “imminent” adds urgency that remains debatable. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has assessed that China seeks the capability to invade by 2027, but this does not equate to an active decision. According to a 2024 U.S. Department of Defense report, China’s large-scale exercises and buildup are designed to exert pressure, though not necessarily indicative of impending war. The claim is thus rooted in real trends, but framing the threat as potentially imminent lacks consensus among intelligence analysts.
(Department of Defense 2023 Report)

Claim #2: China has undertaken the largest military buildup since WWII
This statement, made by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, aligns with verified data. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China’s military budget has increased annually for nearly three decades, reaching $293 billion in 2023—the second highest globally after the U.S. In naval capabilities, China now possesses the world’s largest fleet. These patterns support the claim of a significant conventional military buildup not seen since the end of WWII.
(SIPRI Military Expenditure Report 2023)
Claim #3: The U.S. called China a “hegemonic power” while China denies this designation
Hegseth’s reported comment that China aims to be a “hegemonic power” reflects longstanding U.S. strategic language. The 2022 U.S. National Defense Strategy explicitly identifies China as “the pacing challenge,” warning of its goal to dominate the Indo-Pacific. On the other hand, China routinely denies hegemonic ambitions, framing itself as a peaceful rising power. This is a matter of perspective rather than falsifiable fact, but the terminology used by both sides fuels geopolitical tension. Neither side’s claim can be verified independently as it pertains to intention rather than identifiable action.
(U.S. National Defense Strategy 2022)

Claim #4: China is violating international law in the South China Sea
This claim is verifiable based on international legal rulings. In 2016, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s expansive “Nine-Dash Line” claim across the South China Sea held no legal basis. China has rejected this judgment. Though not enforceable, the verdict provides legal grounding for accusations of unlawful territorial assertions. Thus, when Hegseth and others accuse China of violating international norms, they are referencing a legitimate international ruling.
(Permanent Court of Arbitration Case No. 2013–19)
Conclusion
The article provides a mostly accurate account of geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, quoting Pete Hegseth’s remarks and subsequent international reactions. Hegseth’s speech includes substantiated references to China’s military activities and its assertive posture toward Taiwan. However, the notion of an “imminent” threat exaggerates current intelligence assessments. The framing of geopolitical ambitions (such as being called a “hegemonic power”) is rhetorical, and both sides interpret actions based on different political lenses. While the article includes perspectives from China, Australia, and Singapore, readers should be aware that it contextualizes factual developments using emotionally charged language and framing. Overall, the piece contains some bias in favor of Western narratives but remains rooted in credible reporting.

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Link to Original Article
Read the full article on The Guardian