| HEGSETH: 'THE ERA OF CAPITULATING TO CHINESE COERCION IS OVER': Despite President Donald Trump's bombastic threats to reclaim the Panama Canal, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had nothing but kind words for Panama during his two-day visit while focusing his sharpest criticism on China's expansionist desires in America's backyard. Speaking at a regional security conference in Panama City, Hegseth accused China of investing and operating in the Americas "for military advantage and unfair economic gain." "China’s military has too large of a presence in the Western Hemisphere," Hegseth said in a speech to the Central American Security Conference. "We have to recognize the threat that China poses to our countries, to our people, and to peace in this region. China-based companies are capturing land, critical infrastructure in strategic sectors such as energy and telecommunications." "And the era of capitulating to coercion by the Communist Chinese is over," Hegseth said. "Their growing and adversarial control of strategic land and critical infrastructure in this hemisphere cannot and will not stand." "America will confront, will deter, and, if necessary, defeat these threats alongside all of you, our close and valued partners," he said. "We want this to be a golden age for our countries together and for this hemisphere. We want, in short, not only to make America great again but to make the Americas great again. And we will achieve these goals together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners." WITH PANAMA 'IN THE LEAD,' HEGSETH VOWS US WILL STOP CHINA FROM 'WEAPONIZING' CANAL US AND PANAMA 'STRENGTHEN SECURITY COOPERATION': A day earlier, Hegseth spoke at the dedication of a pier at the Vasco Nunez de Balboa Naval Base that received a $5 million makeover from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, calling the project a sign of the "growing relationship" between the two allies to "meet Communist China’s rising challenge." "The United States of America will not allow Communist China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation or integrity," Hegseth said. "To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades." Then yesterday, before departing the country, Hegseth announced that the U.S. and Panama signed a framework agreement that will allow "U.S. warships and auxiliary ships to sail first and free through the Panama Canal." "We certainly understand that the Panama Canal is in Panama," Hegseth said, downplaying any suggestion the U.S. would seize control of the canal by force. "When President Trump says we’re taking back the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, that involves partnership with the United States and Panama." "We welcome the opportunity to have an increased troop presence here alongside the Panamanians to secure the sovereignty of the Panama Canal." US AND PANAMA COME TO AGREEMENT GIVING FAST PASS THROUGH CANAL CHINA TO US: 'STOP SPREADING RUMORS AND MAKING TROUBLE': Asked about Hegseth's statements, the Chinese government was quick to take offense, calling his comments a "malicious attack" that was designed to "sabotage" China's relationship with Panama. "It is so clear for all to see who wants to control the Panama Canal. The U.S. should take a hard look in the mirror to find out who is threatening other countries' sovereignty, security, and development," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. "China calls on the U.S. to stop spreading rumors and making trouble, and stop linking China to the Panama Canal issue with ill intention to find an excuse for America's attempt to control the canal." Hegseth's comment "once again lays bare America's bullying and hegemonic nature. China firmly opposes it," Lin said. "Let me stress that compromise and concession does not protect sovereignty or win respect but will only embolden the bully." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Good Thursday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre's Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie. Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. If signing up doesn't work, shoot us an email and we'll add you to our list. And be sure to follow me on Threads and/or on X @jamiejmcintyre CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR READ BACK ISSUES OF DAILY ON DEFENSE HAPPENING TODAY: America's top commander in the Indo-Pacific region, Adm. Samuel Paparo, is back on Capitol Hill for a second day of testimony along with U.S. Forces Korea Commander Army Gen. Xavier Brunson. The two commanders will testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee at 9:30 a.m. Yesterday, Paparo told the House Armed Services Committee that China remains America's "most consequential opponent." "China poses real and serious challenges to our military superiority," he testified. "China is outproducing the United States in air, maritime, missile capability and accelerating their space and counter space capabilities. … The trajectory must change." Paparo also noted that in the past year, China's antagonistic military exercises aimed at intimidating Taiwan had increased by 300%. They are not simply exercises, he said. "They are rehearsals. And while the [People's Liberation Army] attempts to intimidate the people of Taiwan and demonstrate coercive capability, these actions backfire, drawing increased global attention and accelerating Taiwan’s own defensive preparations. ALSO TODAY: NATO'S 'COALITION OF THE WILLING' MEETS: Defense ministers from 30 NATO nations, not including the U.S., will meet at NATO headquarters today to discuss the creation of a European peacekeeping force for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire deal between Kyiv and Moscow. The group, dubbed the "coalition of the willing," is being led by the United Kingdom and France and will be opened with remarks by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Tomorrow, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group of some 50 nations supporting Ukraine with military aid will meet in Brussels for the first time without a U.S. defense secretary hosting the session. Britain and Germany will chair the session. TRUMP: ISRAEL COULD LEAD ATTACK ON IRAN: Just days before U.S. and Iranian officials are to hold exploratory talks to see if there is a basis for a new nuclear deal, Trump is making threats about what could happen if Tehran does not give up its nuclear weapons program. "Well, they can’t have a nuclear weapon," Trump said at yesterday's executive order signing session. "Did you mean military action, though, if they don’t agree?" a reporter asked. "Oh, if necessary, absolutely, yes," Trump replied. "We have a little time, but we don’t have much time because we’re not going to let them have a nuclear weapon." "But with Iran, yes, if it requires military, we’re going to have military. Israel will obviously be very much involved in that — you know, the leader of that, but nobody leads us, we do what we want to do." BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR FIRED CYBER COMMANDER: At yesterday's Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the operations of the U.S. Cyber Command, senators for both parties expressed concern and disappointment at the "sudden and inexplicable firing" of Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, who was, until last week, commander of Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency. "Gen. Haugh was a strong leader with a deep knowledge of the art and science of cyber warfare, hard-earned over three decades of service to our country," subcommittee Chairman Mike Rounds (R-SD) said. "We do not have enough of these types of leaders, and the loss of any one of them without strong justification is disappointing. The departure of Gen. Haugh is a loss for our nation." "The callous nature of the decision, the result of a meeting with a partisan conspiracy theorist, not on any kind of informed or experienced judgment, puts our security at grave risk and cannot be tolerated or continued," Jack Reed (D-RI) said. "His sudden and inexplicable firing is disrespectful to his service but also disrespectful to every military member in or out of uniform." "Given the dangers facing the U.S. and our troops, it is inexplicable and unconscionable that the president would, at the mere request of an online provocateur, remove the leader of CYBERCOM, completely without cause and in doing so, risk undermining vital intelligence operations," ranking member Jacky Rosen (D-NV) said. "His abrupt and unjustified removal was conducted in the dead of night, with absolutely no consultation with Congress, the full committee, or this subcommittee, and according to press reports, it was at the request of a private individual outside of the government, outside the chain of command, who has a long record of peddling in vicious, vicious conspiracy theories." LOOMER TARGETS TRUMP'S PICK FOR TOP DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE LAWYER CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER THE RUNDOWN: Washington Examiner: Trump pauses tariffs for 90 days on dozens of countries, raises rate on China to 125% Washington Examiner: Trump's approval rating dips below 50% after tariff policy Washington Examiner: US and Panama come to agreement giving fast pass through canal Washington Examiner: With Panama 'in the lead,' Hegseth vows US will stop China from 'weaponizing' canal Washington Examiner: Commander of US troops in Europe says presence should remain the same Washington Examiner: Zelensky claims troops captured Chinese nationals fighting for Russia Washington Examiner: Witkoff to meet Iran foreign minister, use mediators to talk about nuclear program Washington Examiner: Beijing scolds Vance for 'Chinese peasants' comment as tariff feud escalates Washington Examiner: Iran tells US to 'come and invest,' promises regime not seeking nuclear bomb Washington Examiner: Witkoff to meet Iran foreign minister, use mediators to talk about nuclear program Washington Examiner: Trump administration reinstates ICE office for Americans victimized by illegal immigrants Washington Examiner: Trump administration to begin screening immigrants' social media for antisemitism Washington Examiner: Kristi Noem rejects criticism she's 'cosplaying' in DHS role Washington Examiner: IRS chief Melanie Krause resigns after agency agrees to hand over immigrants' data to ICE Washington Examiner: Loomer targets Trump's pick for top Department of Defense lawyer Washington Examiner: Navy Chief James Kilby 'regrets' relying on expensive equipment to fight Houthis AL.com: Space Command Move to Huntsville Will Be Announced Very Soon, Congressman Says Washington Post: Trump directs Justice Dept. to probe officials who opposed him in first term The New York Times: Zelenskyy Doubles Down on Claim That Many Chinese Are Fighting for Russia Wall Street Journal: Trump Transforms Tariff War into High-Stakes Showdown with China Bloomberg: Trump Signs Order to Revive US Shipbuilding, DOGE Review of Navy Defense One: Defense Acquisition, Exports, and Shipbuilding Figure in Trio of New Executive Orders Bloomberg: Pentagon's Drone Initiative Called 'Alive and Well' Under Trump Reuters: Are B-2 Bombers a Message to Iran? ‘We’ll Let Them Decide,’ Pentagon Chief Says AP: Suspected US strikes overnight in Yemen kill at least 3 people, Houthi rebels say Defense News: What Marine Corps Aviation Has in Store over the Next Five Years Air & Space Forces Magazine: Trump's Picks for Joint Chiefs Chairman and Air Force Secretary Near Confirmation AP: Senate confirms former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as Trump's ambassador to Israel Stars and Stripes: 'A warrior and a healer': Green Beret's family receives Silver Star seven years after his death in Niger ambush Air & Space Forces Magazine: Military AI Will Mean Overhauling Test as Well as Tactics: DOD's First AI Chief SpaceNews: Defense Experts Warn Procurement Bottlenecks Risk US Space Edge DefenseScoop: Lawmakers Fearful of SOCOM Cuts, Possible Risk to Mission Air & Space Forces Magazine: Air Force Has Flown More Than 50 Missions to Gather Intel at the Southern Border SpaceNews: Surge in NATO Spending to Benefit Space Sector Air & Space Forces Magazine: New International Partnership Strategy 'Touches Every Part' of Space Force Breaking Defense: MQ-25 Tanker Drone Flight This Year Will Require 'Ton of Work,' Warns NAVAIR Head The War Zone: Infrared Seeker for APKWS Guided 70 mm Rockets Unveiled Air & Space Forces Magazine: USSF Brings Acquisition Reforms to New Nuclear Command and Control Program Breaking Defense: NGA Awards New Luno A Task Order for Commercial Imagery Analysis Air & Space Forces Magazine: Air Force Rescinds Service-Wide Family Days, Commanders Can Still Schedule THE CALENDAR: THURSDAY | APRIL 10 Brussels, Belgium — The United Kingdom and France host a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in defense ministers format at NATO headquarters https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_234102.htm 8:45 a.m. 151 St. George Blvd., Oxon Hill, Md.— Defense Strategies Institute Identity Management Symposium, April 9-10, with: Brig. Gen. Eric Van Den Bosch, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command; Marine Col. Bryan Eovito, commanding officer, Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group, https://identitymanagement.dsigroup.org/register 9:30 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing: “The Posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command and United States Forces Korea in Review of the Defense Authorization Request for FY2026 and the Future Years Defense Program,” with testimony from Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and Army Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander, U.N. Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea http://www.armed-services.senate.gov 9:30 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing: “The Posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command and United States Forces Korea in Review of the Defense Authorization Request for FY2026 and the Future Years Defense Program," with testimony from Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and Army Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander, U.N. Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea http://www.armed-services.senate.gov 10 a.m. 2318 Rayburn — House Science, Space, and Technology Research and Technology Subcommittee hearing: “DeepSeek: A Deep Dive.” http://science.house.gov 10 a.m. — Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual discussion: “Space and Data Domain Lessons from Russia-Ukraine,” with Giorgi Tskhakaia, adviser to the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation; Aaron Jaffe, senior vice president of Palantir; and David Gauthier, chief strategy officer at GXO Inc. https://www.csis.org/events/space-and-data-domain-lessons FRIDAY | APRIL 11 Brussels, Belgium — The United Kingdom and Germany convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news 10 a.m. — National Institute for Deterrence Studies virtual discussion: “Ensuring America’s Strategic Edge,” with Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, commander, 20th Air Force at Air Force Global Strike Command https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/ensuring-americas-strategic-edge/ 1 p.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW — Center for Strategic and International Studies forum: “Deepening the U.S.-Japan Space Security Relationship," with Jun Kazeki, director-general of Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office; Lt. Gen. Corey Trusty, military deputy, Space Force’s International Affairs Space Division https://www.csis.org/events/deepening-us-japan-space-security-relationship TUESDAY | APRIL 22 6:15 a.m. 2425 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. — Association of the U.S. Army "Coffee Series" discussion with Army Vice chief of staff Gen. James Mingus https://www.ausa.org/events/coffee-series/gen-mingus | | | | "Well, I thought that people were jumping a little bit out of line, they were getting yippy, you know? They were getting a little bit yippy, a little bit afraid." | | President Donald Trump on why he paused worldwide tariffs just hours after they went into effect Wednesday. |
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Megyn Kelly -> Pete Hegseth responds to 2017 rape accusation. 🔥 vol. 3, issue 13 | December 6, 2024 Quick Hits All the news you need in...
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