The US Secretary of Defense warns of China's readiness to use force in the Indian and Pacific oceans.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that China is "clearly and confidently preparing to use military force" to alter the power balance in the Indian and Pacific regions, indicating that the threat posed by Beijing is "real and may be imminent."

This came during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he affirmed that China "seeks dominance and control over Asia," noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his army to be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027.

Austin added, "The People's Liberation Army is building military forces to do so, and trains daily for this real mission," warning of China's rapid movements towards the island it considers part of its territory.

He announced that the United States has "returned strongly" to the Indian and Pacific regions, describing it as "the priority theater" for Washington. He pledged that his country is "here to stay," reaffirming its support for allies facing Chinese military and economic pressures.

He emphasized that Washington will enhance its overseas defenses to confront what he described as "rapidly evolving threats" from China, especially regarding its hostile stance towards Taiwan, which Beijing conducted military exercises simulating a comprehensive blockade around.

Austin urged Washington's allies in Asia to "increase military spending" to meet security challenges, calling for it to reach 5% of the gross domestic product, similar to the demands of European countries.

He also criticized China's expansionist ambitions in Latin America, particularly Beijing's attempts to enhance its influence near the Panama Canal, urging countries in the region to exercise caution.

He concluded by saying, "We will not soften our warnings, as the Chinese threat is real and may be very close," affirming that Washington will not leave its allies to face this challenge alone.