Additional Coverage:
- Hegseth, in talks with Chinese counterpart, says US will ‘stoutly defend’ interests in Indo-Pacific (foxnews.com)
US War Secretary Reaffirms Indo-Pacific Interests in Meeting with Chinese Counterpart
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth met with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, using the high-profile encounter to underscore America’s commitment to “stoutly defend” its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth described the session with Admiral Dong as “good and constructive.” The two defense leaders met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense summit, which brings together top military officials from across the region.
The Pentagon chief conveyed U.S. concerns regarding China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, as well as its posture toward American allies and partners.
“I highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth stated on X. “The United States does not seek conflict, but it will continue to stoutly defend its interests and ensure it has the capabilities in the region to do so.”
In response, China’s Defense Ministry issued a measured statement, reiterating Beijing’s long-held position that Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland is an “unstoppable historical trend.”
This face-to-face meeting marked the first in-person encounter between the two defense leaders since a video call in early September. It signals ongoing efforts by both nations to manage a complex and often tense relationship, even as disagreements over Taiwan, maritime boundaries, and navigation rights continue.
Hegseth indicated that the U.S. would “continue discussions with the People’s Liberation Army on matters of mutual importance.”
In other regional developments, Hegseth also announced a 10-year defense cooperation framework with India following discussions with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. This initiative is part of Washington’s broader strategy to enhance security and technology ties with New Delhi as a counterweight to Beijing’s growing influence.
Later, the Secretary met with Malaysia’s defense minister, reaffirming the two nations’ commitment to upholding maritime security in the contested South China Sea, where China’s extensive territorial claims overlap with those of several Southeast Asian countries.
ASEAN defense ministers are scheduled to continue their discussions on Saturday with dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia.