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U.S. Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday met together with his Chinese language counterpart in Kuala Lumpur, utilizing the high-profile encounter to reaffirm that america will “stoutly defend” its pursuits within the Indo-Pacific area.
Hegseth characterised the session with Chinese language Admiral Dong Jun as “good and constructive.” The pair met on the sidelines of the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) protection summit, which convened high navy officers from throughout the area.
The Pentagon chief stated he raised issues about China’s rising aggression within the South China Sea and round Taiwan – in addition to its posture towards American allies and companions.
“I highlighted the significance of sustaining a steadiness of energy within the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth wrote on X. “The US doesn’t search battle, however it can proceed to stoutly defend its pursuits and guarantee it has the capabilities within the area to take action.”
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US Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth (C) leaves after attending a billateral assembly and the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defence cooperation between Malaysia and america, in Kuala Lumpur on October 30, 2025. (MOHD RASFAN/AFP through Getty Photos)
China’s Protection Ministry responded in measured phrases, reiterating Beijing’s long-held stance that Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland is an “unstoppable historic development.”
China’s Minister of Nationwide Protection Dong Jun (R) attends the ASEAN – China Defence Ministers’ Luncheon as a part of the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Assembly in Kuala Lumpur on October 31, 2025. (Hasnoor Hussain / POOL / AFP)
The assembly face-to-face marked the primary in-person assembly between the 2 protection leaders since a video name in early September. It signaled continued efforts on each side to handle a tense relationship whilst disputes over Taiwan, maritime boundaries and navigation rights persist.
Hegseth stated the U.S. will “proceed discussions with the Individuals’s Liberation Military on issues of mutual significance.”
Hegseth additionally introduced a 10-year protection cooperation framework with India following talks with Protection Minister Rajnath Singh — a part of Washington’s push to increase safety and expertise ties with New Delhi as a counterweight to Beijing’s affect.
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The secretary later met with Malaysia’s protection minister, reaffirming the 2 nations’ dedication to upholding maritime safety within the contested South China Sea, the place China’s expansive territorial claims overlap with these of a number of Southeast Asian nations.
Ministers and members of delegates attend the opening session of the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Protection Ministers’ Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Picture/Dita Alangkara)
ASEAN protection ministers will proceed talks Saturday with dialogue companions together with america, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea and Russia.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
