China's Policy Considered a Regional Security Threat, Says Pentagon Chief

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth has stated that China poses a serious security threat to the Indo-Pacific region, according to CNN.

“The security situation around Japan and in the region remains serious,” Hegseth told reporters today after meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinjirō Koizumi in Tokyo.

Hegseth emphasized, “The threats we face are real and urgent. China’s unprecedented military power and its aggressive military actions speak for themselves.”

According to the Pentagon chief, “this is why President Trump's agenda of ‘peace through strength’ is so important.” He added, “There is no substitute for hard power.”

Hegseth also expressed the view that the United States and its allies must “continue to build military strength, a reliable force ready to deter war and, if necessary, fight and win.”

CNN notes that Hegseth made this remark while Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in South Korea.