US Defense Chief Identifies China as Pacing Threat, Prepares Indo-Pacific Forces

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has emphasized that China poses a significant and imminent threat to the US, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where Beijing is reportedly preparing for war as part of its strategy to dominate the area and potentially the world. Hegseth, a staunch advocate of President Donald Trump's 'peace through strength' approach, stressed the need to revitalize the US defense industrial base to maintain military superiority and deter Chinese aggression, especially concerning Taiwan. Alongside these warnings, Chinese military activities have escalated, including close encounters between Chinese fighter jets and Japanese patrol planes, as well as the deployment of Chinese aircraft carriers near Japan and frequent naval presence near Taiwan. Additionally, Senator Bill Hagerty has supported measures to deport illegal Chinese immigrants, citing national security concerns and describing China's multifaceted actions as a form of warfare against the US, including attempts to smuggle biological pathogens. Collectively, these developments underscore a heightened US focus on countering China's growing military and geopolitical assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.