U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that the Trump administration will work with allies to strengthen deterrence against threats around the world, including China's aggression in the South China Sea.
Mr Hegseth, who is visiting the Philippines, accused the previous Biden administration of being lax, which over time allowed countries like China to act aggressively.
He noted that the U.S. military is rebuilding under President Donald Trump and restoring its “warrior spirit” in the region, but did not go into detail.
“We are now faced with years of deferred commitments, with vulnerabilities that need to be overcome to restore strength and deterrence in various parts of the world,” Mr. Hegseth said at a news conference with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro after meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila.
“In the past, many countries have tried to test the resolve of the United States,” Mr. Hegseth added. “We are now determined to… cooperate with our partners.”
He had previously told Mr Marcos that deterrence was particularly important in the Indo-Pacific region “in light of threats from communist China”.
“Friends must stand shoulder to shoulder to avoid conflict and ensure freedom of navigation, whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea,” he told Mr. Marcos.
Mr. Hegseth noted that the United States does not plan to prepare for war, emphasizing that peace will be achieved “through strength.”
The Philippines is the first stop on Mr. Hegseth's maiden trip to Asia. He will then head to Japan, another key U.S. ally.
Ahead of his visit to the region, China described the US as a “predator” and an unreliable partner.
Hegseth said the Trump administration would provide the Philippines with additional security assistance on top of an already allocated $500 million (£386 million) fund to modernise the Philippine military.
Information about US funding was first announced by the previous Biden administration.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
