U.S. deputy defense secretary nominee vows to counter N. Korea, China

The nominee for U.S. deputy secretary of defense, Stephen Feinberg, has stressed the need to prevent North Korea from advancing its nuclear and missile programs.

In a written response to the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, he warned that North Korea's growing weapons program threatens stability in the Korean Peninsula, Korean Peninsula, Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Feinberg underscored the importance of strengthening U.S. missile defense, particularly to protect the homeland.

He also pointed to China's expanding military capabilities, aimed at increasing regional influence and countering U.S. power.

The nominee stated that if confirmed, he would prioritize strengthening the U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific to deter China's aggression.