During a media briefing at U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed the Department of Defense’s strategic priorities regarding military positioning in Europe and Africa.

When questioned about whether his visit to Africom on his inaugural overseas trip signifies a shift in U.S. strategic objectives in Africa, Hegseth highlighted the growing threat from China in the region.

He characterized China’s motives as harmful, extending beyond their immediate region to impact Africa as well. “America’s military presence, alongside our allies and partners, is crucial for contesting that area. Therefore, it continues to be a key priority,” he stated.

In addressing the ongoing security situation, Hegseth affirmed that monitoring China’s engagement in Africa is pivotal, while also focusing on countering terrorism threats within Africom’s jurisdiction. He referenced the airstrikes conducted on February 1, 2025, against ISIS in Somalia, which were orchestrated in collaboration with the Somali Federal Government.

Hegseth noted that this operation reflects a significant shift in the Department of Defense’s approach, returning tactical authority to senior military leaders. “This is indicative of delegating authority and empowering our warfighters,” he clarified. “Such decisions should be made swiftly at the four-star commander level or by the Secretary of Defense, focusing on the capacity to weaken the enemy.”

Discussing the military posture in Europe, Hegseth mentioned, following his visit to U.S. European Command earlier, that there are currently no intentions to relocate troops from Europe to the Indo-Pacific to address the rising threat from China. However, he indicated that a comprehensive review of global military positioning is forthcoming.

The Secretary emphasized that a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine and an increase in defense spending by European NATO nations must be achieved before any significant adjustments in U.S. troop deployments are considered. He reassured that any future readjustments should not be interpreted as a retreat from America’s commitments to its allies.

“It would be a mistake to assume that the U.S. is abandoning Europe,” he said. “America is strategically assessing, planning, prioritizing, and projecting military capabilities to deter conflict.” Hegseth underscored the importance of maintaining strength as a principle of “peace through strength.”

The Secretary is set to travel to Brussels next for the NATO Defense Ministerial and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. During his inaugural NATO ministerial, Hegseth aims to collaborate with allied counterparts to discuss the imperative of increasing defense budgets, enhancing European leadership, and expanding defense industrial capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic.

At the UDCG, he intends to reinforce President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to seeking a diplomatic and prompt resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, while emphasizing the necessity for greater European leadership in security support for Ukraine.

“This critical moment demands open dialogue among allies regarding capabilities, leadership, and shared responsibilities,” he stated. “The European continent rightfully deserves to be safeguarded from aggression, and it is essential for those in the region to invest significantly in both individual and collective defense.”