Hegseth warns China poses 'imminent' threat to Taiwan and urges Asia to boost defense

China warns Taiwan against independence

In an interview with Fox News, former Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen warned that China poses an imminent threat to Taiwan as the country continues to increase its military aggression.

Rasmussen stated that Taiwan must defend itself and that Asia is "in danger of being dominated by China." He urged Asian countries to boost their defense spending to counter the threat.

China's increasing military power

China has been rapidly modernizing its military capabilities and enhancing its military prowess. Analysts point to a range of critical factors contributing to this shift, including abundant resources, massive investments, and a centralized approach to defense development and procurement.

The Chinese military has been actively engaged in exercises and operations around Taiwan, intentionally flying jets into Taiwanese airspace and conducting naval drills in the South China Sea.

Regional implications and responses

The potential for a catastrophic conflict is worrying, with regional implications extending beyond Taiwan to other nations bordering China.

Amidst growing concerns, countries across Asia are reassessing their strategies, proactively increasing their defense budgets, and fostering military alliances to counter the potential threat.

While China maintains that its actions are defensive in nature, many Western nations and international organizations continue to voice concerns over China's increasing military aggression and its potential impact on global stability.