America Awakens to China’s Threats: Bessent

America’s message to its allies is getting sharper: Spend more—and do more. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is rolling out a new standard for Indo-Pacific allies as China remains at the center of U.S. security concerns.

On America’s China policy, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is delivering a blunt message. “The truth is that for too long America had been asleep. … But America has awakened,” he said.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon is also stepping into the geopolitical debate, speaking plainly about the United States having “the strongest military in the world.”

A rally outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., is calling for human rights in China. More than a dozen Falun Gong practitioners were arrested in Wuhan on the same day. A daughter and a sister are speaking out.

Two U.S. allies—the Philippines and Japan—are deepening defense ties as tensions with Beijing grow in the region.

A high-profile visit to the United States is raising tensions between Taiwan and China, with possible implications for U.S.–Taiwan relations. We have more on that after the break, here on China in Focus.

1. U.S. Backs ‘Model Allies’ as China Warnings Hold
2. U.S. Introduces New Indo-Pacific Strategy
3. Hegseth Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Its Asian Allies
4. America Awakens to China’s Threats: Bessent
5. Bessent: U.S.–China Strategy Failed to Change China
6. 17 Falun Gong Practitioners Arrested in Wuhan
7. U.S. Citizen’s Mother Arrested in China
8. N.Y. Resident Appeals for Her Sister Arrested in China
9. U.S. Tightens China AI Chip Restrictions
10. Philippines, Japan Move to Expand Defense Cooperation
11. U.S., Philippines Discuss South China Sea, Energy Talks
12. Rights Advocates Warn of Beijing’s Reach Into Canada
13. Japan: Chinese Aircraft Carrier Near Philippines
14. Taiwan Opposition Leader Heads to U.S. for 2-Week Tour
15. Taiwan Flags Popular Chinese Apps Over Data Risks