Chuck Hagel, US President Barack Obama's pick for secretary of defense, fought hard on Thursday during a Senate committee hearing in a bid to defend his many controversial remarks of his past.

Challenged by the Senate Armed Services Committee on his past comments on Israel, Iran, nuclear weapons and defense cuts, Hagel said he is proud of his record.

"So, as you all know, I am on the record on many issues. But no one individual vote, quote, or statement defines me, my beliefs or my record. My overall worldview has never changed," said the former two-term senator from Nebraska.

The committee hearing is crucial for Hagel if he is to win Senate confirmation to supplant current Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

During the hearing, he described his worldview succinctly: "America has and must maintain the strongest military in the world; that we must lead the international community to confront threats and challenges together; and that we must use all tools of American power to protect our citizens and our interests".

"I believe, and always have, that America must engage - not retreat - in the world. My record is consistent on these points," said Hagel, who, if confirmed, would be the first Vietnam veteran to lead the Pentagon.

Hagel said he is committed to Obama's positions on all issues of national security, including the Pentagon's rebalancing of its resources toward the Asia-Pacific.

He said the US is in the midst of modernizing its defense strategy across the Asia-Pacific to defend and deepen partnerships with traditional allies,

such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Australia. He added that the US will continue to deter provocations from states such as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and non-state actors; as well as to expand networks of security cooperation throughout the region to combat terrorism, counter proliferation, provide disaster relief, fight piracy and ensure maritime security.

"I will continue this rebalancing," he said.

Hagel, 66, said this is recognition that the US has been and always will be a Pacific power and that the Asia-Pacific is an increasingly vital part of America's security and economy.

"That's why we must become even more engaged in the region over the coming years," he said.

"When we look at the growth of economies, we look at trade growth, population growth, the rise of China, but not just China, but that entire Asia-Pacific region. We need to stay relevant in particular in areas we see as emerging as to the largest, most significant economic, security issues, challenges and opportunities," said Hagel, whose confirmation has been and will be contentious in the coming days, though a Senate confirmation is expected.

Hagel told the committee on Thursday that the world today is totally different than it was 12 years ago.

"Our force structure has been refit and we are looking at a far more agile and flexible force structure as our economy is becoming more agile and flexible," he said.

While recognizing the challenges that the US faces, including in North Africa, Hagel said he believes that the US has historic opportunities to help build a safer, more prosperous and just world than at any point in history.

But he said the US will not hesitate to use the full force of the US military in defense of its security.

"But we must also be smart, and more importantly wise, in how we employ all of our nation's great power," he said.

The widely regarded politician said the US will not hesitate to act unilaterally when necessary, but added that it is essential that the US works closely with its allies and partners to enhance America's influence and security as well as global safety.

Hagel's rhetoric on China in the past has been moderate. During a NATO summit in Chicago last May, he said China is going to emerge and grow.

"We should welcome that. They're going to be competitors. They are now, as are India, Brazil and other nations. That's okay," he said.

Bonnie Glaser, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Hagel will try to reduce misunderstanding, expand cooperation and promote the US-China military relationship.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily 02/01/2013 page1)