Trump instructs Pentagon to prepare for deterring Russia, China amid rising tensions

US President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Defence to strengthen preparations aimed at deterring Russia and China, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

He said that Washington does not seek confrontation with either country, but wants to maintain a strong deterrence posture.

Speaking to Fox News, Hegseth connected Beijing’s recent military parade -- attended by the leaders of China, Russia and North Korea -- to what he called the shortcomings of the previous US administration.

"Unfortunately, the weakness of the previous administration has driven Russia and China closer together. That's a terrible development of a lack of American leadership," Hegseth said. "But that’s why President Trump has charged us at the Defence Department to be prepared, to rebuild our military in historic ways, to restore the warrior ethos and re-establish deterrence. Not because we seek conflict, we do not."

Hegseth stressed that US preparations are defensive in nature, adding, "We've made that clear to China, Russia and other countries. It's because being prepared prevents conflict."

US STRATEGY CENTRED ON MILITARY ADVANTAGE

"So we know what they believe and who they are. We also know how strong we are and what military advantages we have. They also know this," Hegseth said.

"Our task is to maintain these military advantages in space, in the air, at sea, underwater and with long-range weapons. All of our capabilities, 'Golden Dome', that China knows it cannot replicate, and we will do so within this administration," he added.

While Beijing and Moscow have sought to project unity in the face of Western influence, Hegseth said, "Demonstrations and parades are good, but the United States hopes they will not manifest themselves in the form of a real military conflict."

Despite the strong rhetoric on deterrence, Hegseth pointed out that President Trump values diplomatic channels with Beijing.

"Trump has a great relationship with President Xi, and he will use that to hopefully find ways to cooperate," Hegseth said.

BEIJING PARADE MARKS WWII ANNIVERSARY

The military parade that triggered Hegseth’s comments took place in Beijing on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.

The parade itself was a dazzling show of strength -- Xi, dressed in a Mao-style tunic, rode past ranks of troops and cutting-edge weaponry, from hypersonic missiles to underwater drones. Fighter jets roared overhead, helicopters carried vast banners, and 80,000 “peace” birds were released into the skies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The three leaders were seated next to one another, signalling a display of solidarity amid mounting tensions with the West.

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