US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held talks with his counterparts from China and India, „Reuters“ reports, during the ASEAN defense summit in Malaysia, News.bg reports.
This began a series of personal meetings as Washington seeks to strengthen regional security ties.
Hegseth told Chinese Foreign Minister Dong Jun that the US „will resolutely defend its interests“ and will maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, having expressed concern about China's actions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
New partnership with India
Hegseth welcomed as a “cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence“ the new 10-year framework for defense cooperation with Indian Minister Rajnath Singh.
“This is a significant step for our two militaries, a roadmap for deeper and more meaningful cooperation going forward,“
Hegseth noted.
It was their first meeting since the United States imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods in August, affecting purchases of American military equipment from New Delhi. The two sides will discuss India's plans for future defense purchases.
Tensions in the South China Sea
Hegseth is also expected to meet with the defense ministers of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and other countries in the region. Delegations from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia are also attending the ASEAN defense ministers' meeting.
Hegseth and Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin met yesterday and committed to maritime security in the South China Sea — a waterway almost entirely claimed by China but with overlapping exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Beijing has deployed a coast guard that has repeatedly clashed with Philippine ships and has been accused of disrupting Malaysian and Vietnamese energy activities.
Strategic efforts by US and partners
The US is increasing its presence in the region to counter China's growing influence. President Donald Trump told ASEAN leaders that the US is “with you 100%” and intend to be a strong partner for many generations.
Washington has a defense pact with the Philippines, including dozens of annual military exercises and access to their bases, additional cooperation with Thailand and Indonesia, and exchanges with Malaysia.
Shortly before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump ordered the US military to resume nuclear weapons testing amid China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hurn stressed that the organization opposes nuclear weapons and is working to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia.
Hegseth urged Japan to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed readiness to strengthen his country's defense capabilities, emphasizing the importance of the alliance with Washington in deterring Chinese military aggression.