SINGAPORE—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed that there would be “devastating consequences” should China seek to “conquer” Taiwan, in a speech that appeared aimed at easing concerns in Asia over the U.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reassured allies in the Indo-Pacific that they will not be left alone to face increasing military and economic pressure from China

At an international forum in Singapore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. is refocusing its strength and policies on deterring China, and coaxed China’s neighbors and U.S. allies to help.