Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth spoke out against China’s growing influence in the South China Sea during his recent visit to Kuala Lumpur. On Saturday, he expressed concern over what he called “destabilizing actions” by Beijing and pledged support for Southeast Asian nations to help them counter these threats.
Hegseth’s visit included discussions with defense ministers from ASEAN countries and meetings with allies from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. He proposed creating a shared system for monitoring maritime activities to enhance regional security. He stressed that China has shown disrespect for the territorial rights of its neighbors.
“You know firsthand the challenges posed by China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and beyond,” Hegseth remarked. He emphasized the need for the U.S. and its allies to strengthen their capabilities to respond effectively to any aggression, ensuring that no country feels isolated in the face of threats.
Highlighting the technological prowess of the United States, Hegseth stated, “No one can innovate and scale like the United States of America, and we’re eager to share those capabilities with allies and partners.” His comments followed a joint military exercise in the South China Sea involving forces from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. This drill was criticized by China, which claimed it undermined regional peace.
China asserts its sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, a claim that overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The Chinese coast guard has been involved in numerous confrontations with Philippine vessels and has disrupted energy exploration efforts by Malaysia and Vietnam.
While Beijing insists that its coast guard operates professionally to protect its territory, Hegseth’s remarks indicate a growing concern among U.S. officials regarding China’s actions in the region. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun recently called for cooperation between China and ASEAN to maintain peace and stability.
Hegseth’s trip to Southeast Asia coincided with President Donald Trump’s announcement about resuming nuclear weapons testing, which has not occurred in 33 years. This move is seen as a message to rival powers like China and Russia. When asked about the specifics of Trump’s statement, Hegseth said further details would be provided later, but he affirmed the importance of maintaining strong nuclear capabilities.
In his address to the ASEAN defense ministers, Hegseth highlighted the U.S.’s commitment to building a powerful military and supporting its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted the significance of dialogue with China but warned that its actions must be closely monitored. “We seek peace. We do not seek conflict, but we must ensure that China is not seeking to dominate you or anybody else,” he told his counterparts.
