United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has publicly reaffirmed Washington’s longstanding position regarding Taiwan during his address at the Reagan National Defense Forum on December 6. Speaking before military leaders and defense experts, Hegseth emphasized that the United States maintains no intention to alter the established status quo concerning the Taiwan question.
The defense secretary’s comments came amid discussions about China’s ongoing military modernization efforts, which have drawn international attention. Hegseth acknowledged these developments while simultaneously stressing the consistency of American policy toward the island territory.
This reaffirmation represents the Biden administration’s continued adherence to the One-China policy, which has formed the bedrock of Sino-American diplomatic relations since the 1970s. The policy recognizes Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China while maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan.
Hegseth’s statement aligns with recent diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait, where military tensions have occasionally flared. The defense secretary’s remarks appear designed to provide clarity regarding US intentions while acknowledging regional security concerns.
The Reagan National Defense Forum serves as a significant platform for US defense policy announcements and discussions, making Hegseth’s comments particularly noteworthy. His address highlighted the delicate balance the United States maintains in supporting Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities while avoiding actions that might escalate cross-strait tensions.