Hegseth strikes softer tone on China and stays quiet on Taiwan War Secretary Pete Hegseth softened his rhetoric on China during a speech at a security summit in Singapore. Unlike last year, he did not label China as “communist” or mention its military buildup or potential invasion of Taiwan. Hegseth stated that the U.S. can cooperate with China while remaining strong and demonstrating its power.

• War Secretary Pete Hegseth altered his tone regarding China at a security summit in Singapore.
• His speech did not include criticisms like calling China “communist” or mentioning its military buildup or potential invasion of Taiwan.
• Hegseth indicated that the U.S. can cooperate with China while maintaining its strength and projecting power.
• This shift represents a softer stance compared to his previous remarks at the same summit.