Hegseth vows in talks with China that U.S. will ‘stoutly defend’ Indo-Pacific interests
Summary
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Chinese and Indian officials in Malaysia to discuss regional security. Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. would protect its interests in the Indo-Pacific region. He also signed a new defense agreement with India to bolster military ties.Key Facts
- Pete Hegseth is the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
- Hegseth met Chinese Admiral Dong Jun to discuss U.S. concerns about Chinese actions in the South China Sea, Taiwan, and towards regional allies.
- The meeting took place during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
- Hegseth and Dong's meeting follows a previous video call on September 9.
- Hegseth signed a 10-year defense agreement with India to increase military cooperation.
- India is a key defense partner for the U.S. and has procured advanced U.S. military equipment.
- Hegseth also spoke with defense ministers from Malaysia and the Philippines about South China Sea security.
- China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, which conflicts with claims by other countries in the region.
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