Overview
- The defense chief set four priorities: defend the homeland, deter China through strength, increase allied burden-sharing, and supercharge the U.S. defense industrial base.
- He said the United States seeks stable, respectful relations with Beijing and has no intention of changing the Taiwan status quo.
- Hegseth announced expanded military-to-military channels with China’s PLA to reduce risks, deconflict operations, and avoid misunderstandings.
- Citing a template of higher NATO outlays, he urged allies to do more for collective defense and pressed for faster, more competitive U.S. weapons production.
- He highlighted domestic border security as a top focus, while separate reporting noted Taiwan’s plan for a US$40 billion special defense budget and multi-year spending increases.