Hegseth Aims to Counter Chinese Threats
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Synopsis
During his confirmation hearing, Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of collaborating with allies to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. He pledges to bring a warrior culture back to the Department of Defence while prioritizing homeland security and the conclusion of ongoing wars.
Key Takeaways
- Hegseth prioritizes Indo-Pacific security.
- Focus on collaboration with allies.
- Commitment to homeland defense.
- Warrior culture reintegration in Defence.
- Tackling threats from China is crucial.
Washington, Jan 14 (NationPress) Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defence, stated during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that a key focus for him will be to collaborate with our partners and allies to counteract aggression in the Indo-Pacific from the Communist Chinese.
Hegseth is the first nominee of President-elect Donald Trump to appear before a Senate panel for confirmation, joining others like Marco Rubio, nominee for Secretary of State; Pam Bondi, nominee for Attorney General; Tulsi Gabbard, nominee for Director of National Intelligence; and Kash Patel, nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Their confirmation hearings will take place in the coming days.
In his prepared opening remarks, Hegseth emphasized, “First and foremost, we will defend our homeland, our borders, and our skies.”
“Secondly, we will partner with our allies to deter aggression from the Communist Chinese in the Indo-Pacific. Lastly, we will responsibly conclude wars to ensure our resources are prioritized towards larger threats.”
During the questioning by Senators, Hegseth asserted that the danger posed by China will be a top priority for him.
“When President Trump appointed me to this role, his main directive was to reinstill a warrior culture within the Department of Defence,” Hegseth remarked.
“He, like me, seeks a Pentagon that is laser-focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness. That is my sole responsibility.”
Mike Waltz, President-elect Trump's National Security Adviser, known for his anti-China stance and as a co-chair of the House of Representatives' India Caucus, introduced Hegseth at the hearing.
Hegseth is anticipated to encounter rigorous questioning from both Republican and Democratic Senators.
If confirmed, he will succeed Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defence, overseeing an extensive organization comprising nearly 3.5 million defense and civilian personnel.
A graduate of Princeton University, Hegseth also holds a graduate degree from Harvard University.
He served as an army combat veteran in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
He has received two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman's Badge for his service.
Hegseth also spent eight years as a host at FOX News.
