U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth met with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, using the high-level discussion to emphasize Washington’s firm commitment to defending its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth described the meeting as “good and constructive,” noting that it took place on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense summit, where top military leaders from across Asia convened to address regional security concerns.
According to Hegseth, the U.S. raised ongoing concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and toward U.S. allies and partners in the region.
“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.”
China’s Defense Ministry responded with a measured statement, reiterating Beijing’s long-standing position that Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland remains an “unstoppable historical trend.”
The meeting marked the first in-person dialogue between the two defense chiefs since their virtual talks in early September, signaling continued attempts to stabilize relations despite deep disagreements over Taiwan, maritime boundaries, and navigation rights.
Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. intends to “continue discussions with the People’s Liberation Army on matters of mutual importance.”
During his visit, Hegseth also announced a 10-year defense cooperation framework with India following talks with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, part of Washington’s broader effort to strengthen strategic and technological ties with New Delhi as a counterbalance to China’s growing regional influence.
Later, the secretary met with Malaysia’s defense minister, reaffirming both nations’ shared commitment to uphold maritime security in the contested South China Sea—where China’s territorial claims overlap with those of several Southeast Asian nations.
ASEAN defense ministers are set to continue discussions on Saturday with dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia.
