Hegseth Maintains U.S. Position on Taiwan, China Urges Caution

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained Washington’s position on Taiwan and stressed the defense of U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region during a meeting with Chinese Minister of National Defense Adm. Dong Jun on Friday. “I highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized U.S. concerns about China’s activities in the South China Sea, around Taiwan and towards U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth said in a social media post after the pair’s meeting. “The United States does not seek conflict; it will continue to stoutly defend its interests and ensure it