The United States has officially recalibrated its defense priorities, placing China at the forefront of its strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific. Newly appointed US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized this shift on February 12, while addressing an assembly of nations backing Ukraine in Brussels. This move signals a substantial policy change as Washington acknowledges the need to reinforce its own borders while countering the perceived growing threat from Beijing.

Hegseth’s remarks highlight a significant pivot in US defense strategy, which is increasingly focused on deterring China’s influence and military capabilities.

“The United States faces consequential threats to our homeland,” Hegseth stated, adding that securing American borders is now a top priority. However, he underscored that China represents the most formidable long-term challenge due to its military advancements, economic leverage, and geopolitical ambitions.

Describing Beijing as a “peer competitor” with both the capacity and intent to challenge US interests, Hegseth explained that Washington must engage in strategic resource allocation to ensure deterrence remains effective.

“The US is prioritizing deterring war with China in the Pacific, recognizing the reality of scarcity, and making the resourcing tradeoffs to ensure deterrence does not fail,” he asserted.

The US has repeatedly raised alarms over China’s rapid military buildup, territorial claims in the South China Sea, and growing influence over Indo-Pacific nations. Beijing has significantly expanded its naval capabilities, developed advanced hypersonic weapons, and strengthened its presence in contested areas, raising concerns among American defense planners.

The Pentagon has expressed particular unease about China’s intentions toward Taiwan. While Washington........

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