United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need to be ready and vigilant, noting that China is "credibly preparing to use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific."

Speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday, Hegseth made clear that the U.S. is not actively seeking conflict with China but he noted that America "will not be pushed out of this critical region and we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated."

Hegseth also noted that any attempt by China to conquer neighboring Taiwan would result in "devastating consequences" not just for the Indo-Pacific, but the entire world.

"There's no reason to sugarcoat it: the threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent," he said.

Noting that while nobody truly knows what China might ultimately do, Hegseth said the US and its allies must nonetheless be ready with "urgency and vigilance."

"If deterrence fails ? and if called upon by [the] commander in chief ? we are prepared to do what the Department of Defense does best: to fight and win, decisively," he said.

In a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue on the same day, Hegseth and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines?US alliance and commitment to deepening defense cooperation in support of regional peace, resilience, and a rules-based international order.

Teodoro lauded the outcomes of the recently concluded US-Southeast Asian Nations Ministerial Meeting and praised Hegseth’s strong engagement with ASEAN counterparts.

“We just came off the heels of a very successful US-ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting, where Secretary Hegseth made a great impact?I could feel it among our counterparts here,” he said.

“It is proof of the Trump administration’s strong commitment to engage the ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to enhance both our bilateral and multilateral relationships, guided by our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," he added.

Stressing the Philippines’ dedication to long-term peace, Teodoro added, “the Philippines seeks peace, but it must be a sustainable peace?one grounded in our own resilience and reinforced through alliances with like-minded partners. We look forward to this meeting and to further strengthening our already robust defense relationship with the United States.” Robina Asido/DMS