Hegseth heads to Asia with Taiwan questions swirling

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is headed to Asia this week, where he will attend the continent’s biggest defense forum as questions swirl about the U.S.’s support for Taiwan. 

Hegseth, who is departing for this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Wednesday, will huddle with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Minister for Defense Chan Chun Sing, along with holding meetings with regional partners and allies, according to the Pentagon. 

The defense secretary’s trip marks his fourth visit to the Indo-Pacific but comes as regional fears are mounting over President Trump’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month. 

The U.S. has paused a $14 billion weapons package to Taiwan, though officials have given conflicting signals on why. The U.S. has also delayed delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Japan, setting back Tokyo’s plans to bolster its long-range strike ability. 

U.S. Indo-Pacific allies will be monitoring Hegseth’s remarks closely for any clarity on U.S. policy toward Taiwan and other regional allies. 

Hegseth was among the top administration officials who traveled with Trump to China earlier this month. 

Hegseth first traveled to Singapore late May last year, delivering a stern warning to China during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

“Again, to be clear: Any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result........

© The Hill