At the Shangri-La Dialogue, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed China as an "imminent threat" and urged Asia to boost defense spending by 5 percent, distance from China – their top trading partner, and host more U.S. troops.

CGTN anchor Xu Qinduo counters: Should Asian countries really sacrifice prosperity to help "Make America Great Again"?

The Asia-Pacific region deserves real leadership – one that unites, not divides. Zero-sum games won't bring peace; cooperation will.