Hegseth: $1.5T defense budget critical to counter China's military modernization

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed a near-$1.5 trillion defense budget request as essential to maintaining edge over China, emphasizing autonomy, robotics, and AI. The statement signals continued US prioritization of deterrence against China's rapid military modernization, with Project Agincourt as a key initiative. The budget's passage remains uncertain, but the rhetoric underscores a sustained strategic focus.