Secretary of War Pete Hegseth flexed America’s willingness to “stoutly defend” its interests in the South China Sea during a meeting with Chinese admiral Dong Jun.
Hegseth met with his Chinese counterpart during a defense-focused portion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit on Friday, calling their conversation “good and constructive.”
“I highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized U.S. concerns about China’s activities in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and towards U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” he wrote on X.
“The United States does not seek conflict, it will continue to stoutly defend its interests and ensure it has the capabilities in the region to do so. Today’s meeting followed our September 9 video teleconference call with Admiral Dong. We will continue discussions with the People’s Liberation Army on matters of mutual importance,” Hegseth added.
Hegseth’s concern about Taiwan continues as China remains under its “One China” policy. The policy ensures China does not recognize Taiwan as a nation, which is a U.S. ally and trading partner.
The meeting between Hegseth and Jun is the first since a virtual call in September.
U.S. forces were ordered to stage a “show of force “in the South China Sea before President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The move came as Chinese ships continue to harass ships from the Philippines, with a notable instance last year as a 60 Minutes crew stood onboard a Filipino Coast Guard ship that was rammed by a Chinese vessel.
Hegseth also met with Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, renewing a 10-year defense framework. The war secretary emphasized to Singh that the “U.S.–India partnership is a cornerstone of regional stability and is stronger than ever.”
HEGSETH EXTENDS NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT TO DC UNTIL FEBRUARY
Hegseth also met with Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. He noted that Cambodia welcomed its ceasefire with Thailand, brokered by Trump. The war secretary announced a new task force, called Task Force Philippines, in collaboration with the Filipino Secretary of National Defense.
Talks at ASEAN will continue between Hegseth and other defense ministers on Saturday.
