Taipei [Taiwan], December 7 (ANI): US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday reaffirmed that the United States has no intention of altering the status quo in Taiwan, emphasizing that Washington’s focus is on defence and deterrence rather than confrontation with China, according to Taipei Times citing CNA.
Speaking at the Reagan National Defence Forum in Simi Valley, California, Hegseth outlined four core missions for the Department of Defence: protecting the US homeland, deterring China through strength, increasing allied burden-sharing, and rebuilding the defence industrial base.
On US-China relations, he stressed that the Trump administration seeks stable peace, fair trade, and mutual respect between the two nations. Hegseth noted that recent high-level contacts between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have created opportunities for further progress, with reciprocal visits planned next year to ease tensions, provided communication channels remain open.
He also highlighted expanding direct communication with the People’s Liberation Army to reduce risks and prevent misunderstandings. Emphasizing deterrence, Hegseth said US capabilities ensure Beijing cannot dominate Washington or its allies, while maintaining open and fair trade. “We are not trying to strangle China’s growth,” he said. “We are not trying to dominate or humiliate them, nor are we trying to change the status quo over Taiwan.”
Hegseth added that the department’s priority is to preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific while ensuring the US can negotiate from a position of strength and safeguard long-term strategic and economic interests. (ANI)
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