U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized China on Saturday for escalating “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea, vowing to strengthen regional security ties and provide Southeast Asian nations with advanced technology to counter Beijing’s growing influence. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur during multilateral talks with defense ministers from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, Hegseth emphasized the need for a joint maritime awareness initiative to help ASEAN countries respond collectively to Chinese threats.
“You live it—the threats we all face from China’s aggression and conduct in the South China Sea,” Hegseth said, stressing that the United States aims to ensure regional partners are “never alone” in the face of provocation. He added, “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 remarks followed joint naval exercises by the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, which China condemned as a move that “undermined peace and stability.” Beijing continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The Chinese Coast Guard has frequently clashed with Philippine vessels and disrupted regional energy exploration efforts—actions Beijing defends as legitimate protection of its sovereignty.
China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun urged ASEAN to “pool Eastern strength” to maintain regional stability. Meanwhile, Hegseth’s Southeast Asia visit came amid heightened tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to resume nuclear weapons testing after a 33-year halt. Hegseth described the move as “prudent,” underscoring America’s intent to maintain “an unmatched military power” and safeguard peace through strength.
Hegseth reiterated that Washington seeks peace, not conflict, but warned that China’s ambitions to dominate the Indo-Pacific must be closely watched.