US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on March 30, 2025, that the United States will ensure “robust, ready, and credible deterrence” across the Taiwan Strait, labeling China’s actions as “aggressive and coercive.” Speaking in Japan, Hegseth emphasized America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, countering Beijing’s increasing military pressure on Taiwan. This statement comes as analysts speculate on the implications of President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy for regional security.
Strengthening Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
Hegseth, addressing reporters, underscored Washington’s resolve: “America is committed to sustaining robust, ready, and credible deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait.” Beijing has intensified its military activities near Taiwan in recent years, with near-daily air incursions and threats of force to claim the self-ruled island. Reuters reports that China’s actions have heightened tensions, prompting a firm US response.
Rebuilding Alliances and Countering China
Hegseth, a former infantryman and Fox News personality, criticized the previous US administration for creating a “vacuum” that weakened deterrence. “Peace through strength, with America in the lead, is back,” he asserted, vowing to build an alliance so strong that “the Communist Chinese don’t take the aggressive actions some have contemplated.” This aligns with Trump’s pledge to prioritize America while maintaining robust partnerships, as he noted, “America first does not mean America alone.”
US-Japan Alliance Under Scrutiny
In Japan, home to 54,000 US troops, Hegseth praised the “extraordinary strength” of the US-Japan alliance but avoided pressing Tokyo to increase military spending explicitly. “We’re confident that Japan will make the correct determination of what capabilities are needed,” he said after meeting Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani. Trump, however, has questioned the asymmetry of the alliance, remarking this month, “We have to protect them, but they don’t have to protect us—who makes these deals?” Japan is already doubling its defense budget to NATO’s 2% GDP standard, per BBC.
Japan’s Role and Trump’s Tariffs
Nakatani affirmed Japan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities, telling Hegseth that spending decisions rest on “Japan’s own judgement and responsibility.” This follows Trump’s recent 25% tariff on auto imports, effective April 3, which has strained Tokyo. Meanwhile, Japan is shedding its pacifist stance, acquiring “counterstrike” capabilities and establishing a Joint Operations Command to improve coordination with the US, particularly for potential crises over Taiwan or the Korean Peninsula.
A New Era of Cooperation
Last year, former President Joe Biden and then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida laid the groundwork for deeper US-Japan military integration, including a new US headquarters in Japan. Nakatani highlighted ongoing efforts to “improve inter-operability” and expand presence in Japan’s southwestern region, a strategic priority near Taiwan. “We will accelerate our efforts to conduct effective bilaterally joint activities,” he said, signaling a united front against China’s regional ambitions.
Author: Via AFP, Planet Today
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/03/us-vows-deterrence-in-taiwan-strait.html