Hegseth's Warning to China: US Seeks Peace, But Will Act Decisively

The 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue saw US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deliver a strong message to China, emphasizing a commitment to peace while maintaining a strong defense posture. He stated, "We do not seek to dominate or strangle China...We seek peace. But we must ensure that China cannot dominate us or our allies and partners." Hegseth's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the US and China, particularly concerning Taiwan. The speech also emphasized the importance of deterrence, stating that the US is prepared to act decisively if necessary. This message, delivered at a prominent international forum, reflects the complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing strategic competition between the two global powers. The event underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability.