Pentagon Chief Softens China Tone

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth>>> delivered a headline speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, adopting a more measured tone towards China>>> compared to the previous year. While acknowledging "rightful alarm" over China>>>'s military build-up, Hegseth emphasized the United States>>>'s desire for a "stable equilibrium" in Asia and "respectful" engagement with Beijing. China>>>'s defense minister, Dong Junfeng>>>, was absent for the second consecutive year, sending a delegation of experts instead. The discussions also touched upon Donald Trump>>>'s recent visit to China>>> and his comments on trade and potential arms sales to Taiwan>>>. Hegseth reiterated that decisions on future Taiwan>>> arms sales would rest with Donald Trump>>> and affirmed no change in Washington's stance. Additionally, Hegseth addressed the elusive peace deal between the United States>>> and Iran>>>, stating Washington's capability to restart the war if necessary. He also highlighted upcoming meetings with British and Australian counterparts as part of the AUKUS>>> security alliance, which is expected to announce a major project, possibly involving uncrewed underwater vehicles. Hegseth also urged allies like South Korea>>>, Japan>>>, Australia>>>, and the Philippines>>> to increase their defense spending.