U.S. Defense Chief Boosts Southeast Asia Ties Amid China Tensions

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in Malaysia on Thursday, October 31, 2025, for the annual ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting. His goal: build stronger partnerships with Southeast Asian countries amid growing concerns over China’s actions in the region.

In a key moment, Hegseth signed a 10-year defense agreement with India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The deal will increase joint military training, share intelligence, and boost technology cooperation. Hegseth called it “a foundation for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”

He also met with Malaysia’s Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin. They discussed ways to improve maritime safety in the South China Sea, where several countries claim overlapping waters. Nordin criticized China’s use of coast guard ships to protect survey vessels, calling it “a direct challenge to our rights.” Similar incidents have occurred near the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei.

• U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Signs 10-Year Security Pact With India, Strengthens ASEAN Ties
• Amid China Tensions, U.S. Boosts Defense Cooperation Across Southeast Asia at ASEAN Summit
• Hegseth’s Asia Visit Underscores U.S. Commitment to Indo-Pacific Security and Regional Stability

Speaking to China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun, Hegseth warned that the U.S. would firmly protect its interests and maintain balance in the region. He raised concerns about China’s military buildup near Taiwan and in disputed waters.

Over the next few days, Hegseth plans to meet defense leaders from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The U.S. already conducts joint exercises with these nations and has access to military bases in the Philippines.

The meeting included ministers from Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Russia. It comes at a tense time. Just days earlier, President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping and announced plans to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing, citing China’s growing arsenal. Speaking to ASEAN leaders, Trump promised long-term U.S. support: “We stand with you fully and for generations to come.”

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Hegseth also urged Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP to better counter regional threats. For many Southeast Asian nations, the choice is difficult. They rely on China for trade but look to the U.S. for security. Hegseth’s visit sends a clear message: Washington is committed to the region and ready to help keep the peace.