U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth reiterated this week that the United States will "deter China in the Indo-Pacific with strength, not confrontation," and stated that the U.S. "must ensure Beijing sees the unquestionable military strength of the United States."
According to Voice of America, Hegseth also said the United States is not attempting to "stifle" China's development, nor is it trying to "dominate or humiliate" China, and will not attempt to change the status quo of Taiwan.
On April 29 and 30, Hegseth attended hearings at the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to defend the War Department’s proposed budget of up to $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027.
In his written testimony, he listed four priorities for the War Department, the first being the defense of the U.S. homeland, and the second, deterring China in the Indo-Pacific with strength rather than confrontation. This is consistent with the content outlined in the War Department's "2026 National Defense Strategy" released on January 23.
According to reports, in his written testimony Hegseth said the United States seeks "a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific that enables all our nations to enjoy dignified peace—a world where trade flows openly and fairly, all prosper, and interests are respected."
Hegseth said the United States, together with its allies, will maintain enough strength in the Indo-Pacific to counterbalance China’s growing power, "ensuring that none of our allies will suffer sustained or successful military aggression."