Hegseth, in talks with Chinese counterpart, says US will ‘stoutly defend’ interests in Indo-Pacific
In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Friday in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN defense summit. This high-profile encounter served as a platform for Hegseth to reaffirm America’s commitment to defending its interests in the increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific region. Characterizing the meeting as “good and constructive,” Hegseth emphasized the United States’ concerns over China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and its stance regarding Taiwan. He articulated the necessity of maintaining a balance of power in the region, asserting that while the U.S. does not seek conflict, it is prepared to robustly defend its interests and ensure it possesses the necessary capabilities to do so.
The dialogue between Hegseth and Dong marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two defense leaders since a video call in September, highlighting ongoing efforts to manage a complex relationship that is fraught with disputes over Taiwan, maritime boundaries, and navigation rights. In response to Hegseth’s comments, China’s Defense Ministry reiterated its position on Taiwan, framing its reunification with the mainland as an “unstoppable historical trend.” This exchange underscores the delicate balance both nations are attempting to maintain amidst rising tensions. Additionally, Hegseth announced a new 10-year defense cooperation framework with India, reflecting the U.S.’s strategy to bolster security and technology ties with New Delhi as a counterbalance to China’s regional influence. His subsequent meeting with Malaysia’s defense minister further emphasized commitments to maritime security in the contested South China Sea, an area where China’s territorial claims often clash with those of Southeast Asian nations.
As the ASEAN defense ministers continue their discussions, engaging with major dialogue partners including the U.S., China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia, the focus remains on fostering stability in the region. The outcomes of these talks will be crucial in shaping the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical challenges posed by China’s assertive military posture. The interactions at the summit reflect a broader commitment from the U.S. to engage diplomatically while reinforcing alliances in a region marked by complexity and competition.
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U.S. War Secretary
Pete Hegseth
on Friday met with his Chinese counterpart in Kuala Lumpur, using the high-profile encounter to reaffirm that the United States will “stoutly defend” its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth characterized the session with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun as “good and constructive.” The pair met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense summit, which convened top military officials from across the region.
The Pentagon chief said he raised concerns about
China’s growing aggression
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 wrote 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.”
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China’s Defense Ministry responded in measured terms, reiterating Beijing’s long-held stance that
Taiwan’s reunification
with the mainland is an “unstoppable historical trend.”
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The meeting face-to-face marked the first in-person meeting between the two defense leaders since a video call in early September. It signaled continued efforts on both sides to manage a tense relationship even as disputes over Taiwan, maritime boundaries and navigation rights persist.
Hegseth said the U.S. will “continue discussions with the People’s Liberation Army on matters of mutual importance.”
Hegseth also announced a 10-year
defense cooperation framework with India
following talks with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh — part of Washington’s push to expand security and technology ties with New Delhi as a counterweight to Beijing’s influence.
The secretary later met with Malaysia’s defense minister, reaffirming the two nations’ commitment to
upholding maritime security in the contested South China Sea
, where China’s expansive territorial claims overlap with those of several Southeast Asian countries.
ASEAN defense ministers will continue talks Saturday
with dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia,
South Korea
and Russia.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
