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Pentagon chief sounds 'alarm' over China's buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend

Pentagon chief sounds 'alarm' over China's buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend

By Gregor Stuart Hunter, Rae Wee and Jun Yuan Yong SINGAPORE, May 30 (Reuters) - U.S.
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Hegseth reassures Pacific allies as he softens China 'threat' rhetoric

Hegseth reassures Pacific allies as he softens China 'threat' rhetoric

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies Saturday that Washington remains committed to the region while softening past comments that described China as an imminent threat
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U.S. Congress Reaffirms Support for Taiwan Amid President Trump's Remarks on Arms Sales

U.S. Congress Reaffirms Support for Taiwan Amid President Trump's Remarks on Arms Sales

Members of the U.S. Congress have reiterated their strong bipartisan support for Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of the island's security and defense capabilities. This comes in the wake of President Trump's comments suggesting that the $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a 'negotiating chip' with China. At the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Senator Tammy Duckworth and other congressional representatives highlighted the progress made in supporting Taiwan's self-defense. Despite President Trump's remarks, Congress remains committed to Taiwan's security, with weapons sales approved in a bipartisan manner. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth did not mention Taiwan in his speech, but Representative Michael Baumgartner downplayed the omission, asserting that the status quo includes Taiwan.
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Hegseth tones down warnings about China but says US remains committed to Pacific security

Hegseth tones down warnings about China but says US remains committed to Pacific security

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies Saturday that Washington remains committed to the region while softening past comments that described China as an imminent threat
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Pentagon chief urges allies to boost defence spending amid 'alarm' over China's buildup

Pentagon chief urges allies to boost defence spending amid 'alarm' over China's buildup

By Gregor Stuart Hunter, Rae Wee and Jun Yuan Yong SINGAPORE, May 30 (Reuters) - U.S.
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Philippines remains under threat from China despite Trump-Xi summit, minister says

Philippines remains under threat from China despite Trump-Xi summit, minister says

By Raju Gopalakrishnan SINGAPORE, May 30 (Reuters) - The Philippines remains under "severe threat" from China, its defence minister said on Saturday, despite a recent thaw in U.S.-China tensions after the summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping earlier this month.
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Asia’s defense summit opens with China and doubts about US priorities topping concerns

Asia’s defense summit opens with China and doubts about US priorities topping concerns

China's military modernization and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific are key topics at Asia's top defense summit
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China's low-key presence at Asia defence forum a lost opportunity, Australia says

China's low-key presence at Asia defence forum a lost opportunity, Australia says

By Raju Gopalakrishnan SINGAPORE, May 29 (Reuters) - China's decision to send only academics to Asia's biggest defence forum is a missed opportunity at a moment when countries need more "strategic reassurance" from Beijing, Australia's defence minister said on Friday.
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President Trump's Call with Taiwanese Leader on Hold Amidst U.S.-China Tensions

President Trump's Call with Taiwanese Leader on Hold Amidst U.S.-China Tensions

President Trump is not expected to speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te before Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential visit to the U.S. this fall. The decision comes after President Trump indicated he might discuss a new arms package with Taiwan, which has been a point of contention with China. The Chinese government has consistently opposed official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan, viewing them as a challenge to its sovereignty claims over the island. Despite the lack of a scheduled call, Taiwan's de facto embassy in the U.S. maintains that communications with the U.S. remain open and that the longstanding policy on Taiwan is unchanged. The situation reflects the ongoing diplomatic balancing act the U.S. faces in managing its relations with both Taiwan and China.
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President Trump Delays $14 Billion Arms Deal with Taiwan Amidst U.S.-China Tensions

President Trump Delays $14 Billion Arms Deal with Taiwan Amidst U.S.-China Tensions

President Trump has delayed the signing of a $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan, which was recently approved by Congress. This decision comes after a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where Taiwan was highlighted as a critical issue in U.S.-China relations. The delay is being used as a negotiating tool in discussions with China, according to President Trump. The arms deal, which includes air defense systems and drone countermeasures, is part of the U.S.'s commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons. Despite the delay, Taiwan's Defense Ministry has not been officially notified of any changes. The delay is partly attributed to the Pentagon's need to ensure sufficient weapons for the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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Any conflict over Taiwan would risk U.S.-China nuclear escalation, study finds

Any conflict over Taiwan would risk U.S.-China nuclear escalation, study finds

By Greg Torode and Jun Yuan Yong SINGAPORE, May 28 (Reuters) - A conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan would risk a nuclear escalation with both militaries likely to stage sweeping operations targeting rival command and communications hubs, a leading defence research centre said on