Trump orders Pentagon to prepare for deterring Russia and China
Photo: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has instructed the Defense Department to prepare for deterring Russia and China. At the same time, Washington does not seek conflict with these countries, stated Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, according to Fox News.
Hegseth also said that the military parade in Beijing, attended by the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea and showcasing next-generation weapons, was a result of the weakness of the previous US administration.
"Unfortunately, the weakness of the previous administration has driven Russia and China closer together. That's a terrible development of a lack of American leadership. But that’s why President Trump has charged us at the Defense Department to be prepared, to rebuild our military in historic ways, to restore the warrior ethos and re-establish deterrence. Not because we seek conflict, we do not," he said.
He emphasized that US policy is not aimed at provoking conflicts but, on the contrary, at deterring them.
Hagset said that the US has made this clear to China, Russia, and others. He added that readiness helps prevent conflict because the US ensures that "the American people in the homeland are safe."
The official also stressed that holding parades is "fine", while expressing hope that they would not lead to an actual military conflict.
"President Trump has a great relationship with President Xi and will leverage that in hoping to find ways that we can work together," Hagset concluded.
On September 3, Beijing held a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the war against Japan and in World War II. The event showcased the latest equipment and weapons of the Chinese army.
Besides Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the parade was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, among others. The three leaders were seated next to each other during the ceremony.
