Hegseth's Softer Tone on China Part of Broader Shift in US Policy? (opens in new tab)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth renewed calls for America’s allies in Asia to increase military spending to boost deterrence against China, in a speech marked by a shift away from a confrontational stance toward Beijing\. “The era of the U\.S\. subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over\. We need partners, not protectorates,” Hegseth said in a Saturday speech, while offering assurances that the Trump administration wouldn’t reduce the U\.S\. security presence in Asia as it seeks calmer...