Washington, Dec 7 (NationPress) The United States is set to establish its strategy towards China based on deterrence through strength, rather than confrontation, according to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. He emphasized that the US will sustain a clear military advantage throughout the Indo-Pacific while simultaneously keeping diplomatic lines with Beijing accessible.

Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California, Hegseth noted that during President Donald Trump's tenure, relations with China have become more stable and robust than in previous years, highlighting a recent significant breakthrough in trade. He mentioned that reciprocal state visits planned for 2026 could lead to further advancements.

However, he clarified that enhanced communication would be supported by substantial military capability. “This initiative is grounded in flexible realism, not in naivety,” he stated. The US aims to achieve “a balance of power that allows all nations to experience a decent peace in an Indo-Pacific where trade is conducted openly and fairly, fostering prosperity for all.”

Hegseth pointed out that the US does not seek to restrict China's growth or impose strategic humiliation. “Our intention is not to stifle China's progress. We do not aim to dominate or humiliate them, nor do we wish to alter the status quo regarding Taiwan,” he affirmed.

Instead, the Trump administration is focused on maintaining a robust military presence in the region to deter any coercion or aggression. “This entails positioning ourselves, along with our allies, strongly enough in the Indo-Pacific to counterbalance China's expanding influence,” he explained. “Our definition of deterrence in the Indo-Pacific is not about dominating China, but rather ensuring they cannot dominate us or our allies.”

Hegseth emphasized the Department of War's commitment to monitoring the extent and sophistication of China's military growth. “We possess a clear understanding of the rapid and formidable nature of their military buildup. Ignoring these developments would be both foolish and disrespectful,” he remarked.

Operationally, he indicated that the United States will maintain the capability “to project sustained military power along the first island chain and across the Indo-Pacific,” ensuring that any move towards conflict becomes strategically unfeasible for Beijing. “This means being so strong that aggression is not even contemplated, thus preserving peace,” he stated.

Hegseth concluded by stating that the objective is to enable President Trump to “negotiate from a position of strength to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific,” which he described as critical to preventing miscalculations between the two nuclear-capable powers. “We will speak softly while carrying a big stick,” he quoted Theodore Roosevelt.

He also connected China's deterrence to broader changes in allied responsibilities, particularly in Asia. He noted South Korea’s recent commitment to allocate “3.5% of GDP to essential military expenditures” and take on greater responsibility for its defense, suggesting similar initiatives would bolster the region's collective security. Allies capable of making greater military contributions, he argued, will form part of “a formidable collective defensive shield,” complicating any unilateral actions by Beijing.

The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the epicenter of global strategic rivalry, with the US, China, and regional powers heavily investing in maritime, cyber, and aerospace capabilities. Beijing’s swift naval expansion and assertiveness in the South China Sea have prompted Washington, Tokyo, Canberra, and New Delhi to intensify their security collaboration.