The media will also be barred from offices of the Pentagon’s senior military leadership, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, without Hegseth’s approval and an escort from his aides. The staff of the Joint Chiefs has traditionally maintained a good relationship with the press.

In his opening remarks, Hegseth warned China seeks no less than hegemony over the region and is increasingly willing to resort to force. He cited confrontations in the South China Sea, including incidents in which China's coast guard used water cannon against Philippine vessels, injuring several people last year.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented strict press restrictions at the Pentagon, requiring government escorts for journalists in previously a

China's representative at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore accused U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of making “groundless accusations” of rapidly developing threats by Beijing.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing backlash after issuing orders on Friday restricting credentialed journalists from unescorted access to much of the Pentagon building.