Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said during the security forum in Singapore, transmitted by the department's website, that the United States is not seeking conflict with China, but is ready to “fight and win“ in case of failure of attempts at deterrence.
“We are not seeking conflict with communist China“, said Hegseth, adding that the United States “will not allow itself to be displaced“ from the Indo-Pacific region and “will not allow its allies and partners to be subjugated and intimidated“ there. He said China "wants to become a hegemon in Asia" and accused Beijing of "building up its military might and becoming increasingly willing to use force to achieve its goals."
According to the head of the US Department of Defense, China "has demonstrated a desire to radically change the status quo in the region" that the US "cannot ignore." "The threat from China is real and may be imminent," Hegseth said.
"No one knows what China ultimately wants. But they are preparing, which means we must be ready," he continued. "We are not looking to suppress, besiege or provoke China." "We are not seeking regime change," said Hegseth, who said the United States "seeks peace" and has "a goal of preventing conflict."
"But if deterrence fails and the order comes from the commander in chief, we are prepared to do what the Department of Defense does best - fight and win decisively," Hegseth said.