Pakistan, June 1 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that China is preparing to use military power to disrupt the balance in Asia. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he said China's threat is "real and near." He added that the United States will remain present in the region to deter any aggression.

Hegseth claimed that China is actively building its capability to launch an attack on Taiwan. He said Beijing is conducting "actual combat drills" and preparing for real military action. He also accused China of cyber attacks and harassment of neighboring countries, particularly in the South China Sea.

China has responded sharply through its embassy in Singapore, calling Hegseth's remarks provocative and misleadin...