Hegseth reassures Pacific allies as he softens China 'threat' rhetoric

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies Saturday that Washington remains committed to the region while softening past comments that described China as an imminent threat.

Speaking at the Shangri-La defense conference in Singapore, Hegseth said U.S. policy aims to preserve a favorable balance of power and prevent any country from dominating the Indo-Pacific.

His remarks came after President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing and praised prospects for U.S.-China ties.

Hegseth said there is no change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan but declined to address a pending arms package.

He also urged Asian allies to increase defense spending.