US Defense: "Cannot Be Guarantor of Everything... Allies Must Also Share Burden"

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated, "We possess many (military) assets, but we do not have unlimited holdings," adding, "Some of the priorities should be empowering our allies and partner countries."

According to the U.S. Department of Defense on the 8th (local time), Secretary Hegseth attended a town hall meeting at the Pentagon near Washington DC the previous day and said, "Part of America First is becoming a force multiplier for our allies and partners, empowering them to add to the capabilities we have."

Regarding America First, Secretary Hegseth explained, "It is a reminder that the United States cannot be the guarantor of everything forever for certain countries and specific regions of the world," adding, "Therefore, we will set these priorities, and through this, we will empower our beloved allies and those we support to step up and share more responsibility, invigorate them, and provide incentives."

Secretary Hegseth also addressed relations with China, stating, "We will certainly keep a close watch on China, but we will not initiate or create unnecessary conflicts with China." Regarding China's 'gray zone' offensives (ambiguous-level conflicts between peacetime and wartime) in areas such as the South China Sea and East China Sea, he said, "There are some things that can be acknowledged and some that cannot," emphasizing, "We will not allow certain disputed areas to be effectively monopolized permanently."