US will ensure ‘deterrence’ across Taiwan Strait: Pentagon chief
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has told Japan that America will ensure "deterrence" across the Taiwan Strait.
"Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring communist Chinese military aggression," including across the Taiwan Strait, Hegseth said on Sunday at a meeting with his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo.
Hegseth said the Pentagon devised plans to upgrade the US military command in Japan to counter China. He said the Donald Trump administration would continue to work closely in this regard with its Asian allies.
Hegseth, who arrived in Japan on Saturday after visiting the Philippines, said at a news conference with his Philippine counterpart in Manila that the Trump administration would work with allies to ramp up deterrence against threats across the world.
In a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, Hegseth said, “What we’re dealing with right now is many years of deferred maintenance, of weakness, that we need to reestablish strength and deterrence in multiple places around the globe.”
He told the Philippine president, “Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there is free navigation whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea.”
Hegseth warned Marcos that deterrence was particularly needed in the Indo-Pacific region “considering the threats from the communist Chinese.”
Hegseth assured the Filipino leader that the United States is not gearing up for war against China. However, he claimed that peace with countries "who have attempted to test US resolve” will be achieved “through strength.”
Ahead of Hegseth's visit to the region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned that cooperation with the Americans should not threaten regional peace, escalate tensions, or harm the interests of other countries in the region.
“Facts have repeatedly proven that nothing good could come out of opening the door to a predator, and those who willingly serve as chess pieces will be deserted in the end, the foreign ministry spokesman warned on Tuesday.
China views Taiwan as one of the most sensitive issues in its relations with the US, and the topic remains a constant source of friction between Beijing and Washington.
China has regularly protested the US sales of weaponry to Taiwan, slamming Washington for backing secessionist advocates in Taiwan. Beijing sees ties with Taipei as meddling in Chinese domestic affairs.
US announces new sanctions targeting Iran’s drone program
In letter to UN, Iran blasts Trump's 'reckless, belligerent remarks'
Trump sends more migrants to El Salvador prisons despite court dispute
Nine children among dozens killed in Israeli strike on UN building in Gaza
VIDEO | EU leaders slammed for facilitating Israeli war crimes
Trump ‘not ruling out’ Iran's offer of indirect nuclear talks: Report
Israeli military uses human shields in Gaza ‘at least six times a day’
Israel expands war on Gaza Strip to seize 'extensive territory'
Top US universities normalizing 'fascistic governance’: Fired Iranian scholar
Report: Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait ban US warplanes for strikes
VIDEO | The day Iran said yes
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
