Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, middle, with CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios, left, and Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, right. Photo: Supplied
The US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited Guam on Thursday and reiterated Washington's commitment to the region, which includes its other US territory in the Western Pacific, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
"We are going to continue to stay committed to our presence here," he said.
"As I said to all the troops, too, publicly, and it is important to emphasise, we are not seeking war with communist China.
"But it is our job to ensure that we are ready," Hegseth said during his meeting with the governors of Guam and CNMI, Lou Leon Guerrero and Arnold Palacios.
While the US is not seeking a conflict with China, Hegseth emphasised that it would be irresponsible for the US Department of Defence not to be prepared for it.
"I will say it again. My first platoon motto is those who long for peace must prepare for war. It is our responsibility as the Defence Department to be leaning forward and prepared."
Hegseth said Guam, which is home to three of the largest US military bases outside of the continental US, is central and vital to those preparations.
"I want to thank everybody here for their civilian commitment to what has to happen and what is happening here [in] Guam.
"Strengthening civilian infrastructure underpins the ability for military buildup, and it has to be done working together."
He thanked Guam's leadership.
"I have just had a chance to sit down with military leadership here, and their compliments and appreciation for what you're doing.
"Every single one of them emphasized how important and significant that is. We want to just continue to foster it. And thank you also. It's something I think is a little underappreciated."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Guam on Thursday. Photo: Supplied
Hagseth also paid tribute to Guam's veterans, which along with the CNMI, has a large percentage of its population enlist in the U.S. military.
"CONUS is the patriotism of this island, the commitment to service, the veterans, the number of veterans on this island, 12,000 veterans, and just the recognition of what service means here. This is our first stop for a reason. This is America first also right here and we want to make sure our allies and adversaries completely understand that."
Aside from Guam, Hegseth also visited Hawai'i and will next fly to the Philippines and Japan in a whirlwind tour of allies in the region.
During his trip, the defence chief will meet with senior US military and civilian leadership and participate in a series of bilateral meetings.
These engagements will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In Guam, Hegseth was expected to tour the military facilities and receive capabilities briefs.
In the Philippines, he will advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces.
In Japan, he will participate in a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and will later meet with Japanese leaders and US military forces.
Hegseth's trip comes as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security.
