US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that the United States will not alter the status quo concerning Taiwan, emphasizing a strategy focused on defense and deterrence rather than confrontation with China. During the Reagan National Defence Forum, he outlined key missions aimed at protecting the US homeland and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, while fostering communication with the People’s Liberation Army to mitigate risks. Hegseth asserted that the US does not seek to dominate or humiliate China, but aims to negotiate from a position of strength, reinforcing trade relations and ensuring peace in the region. This approach underscores the importance of strategic stability amid rising tensions in US-China relations, which could influence broader geopolitical dynamics.