US Defence Secretary Attends ASEAN Summit to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Alliances Amid China Tensions

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth joined defence leaders from Southeast Asia, China, India, and other regional powers at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia on Friday, underscoring Washington’s renewed push to reinforce strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific amid growing tensions with Beijing.

During the summit, Hegseth held separate talks with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, where he reiterated Washington’s commitment to defending its interests in the region and ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters. He raised concerns over China’s aggressive manoeuvres in the South China Sea and its recent military activities near Taiwan. Hegseth emphasised that while the US sought dialogue, it would “not tolerate coercion or unilateral changes to the status quo.”

In another key meeting, Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a new 10-year defence cooperation framework aimed at deepening technological collaboration, joint exercises, and maritime security coordination. The agreement is seen as a major step toward enhancing deterrence and regional stability. It also comes at a delicate time, following recent trade frictions between Washington and New Delhi, including US tariffs on Indian goods that briefly strained relations earlier this year.

The Pentagon chief’s participation in the ASEAN forum signals a broader American strategy to expand defence engagement with Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Hegseth’s itinerary also included discussions with ministers from Australia, Japan, and South Korea — nations that share US concerns about China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

Malaysia’s Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, hosting the summit, voiced unease over what he called China’s “grey-zone tactics” in the South China Sea, including harassment of Southeast Asian vessels and obstruction of energy exploration. He urged all sides to adhere to international law and prevent escalation in contested waters.

The ASEAN meeting, held amid heightened maritime tensions, has become a key diplomatic stage for regional powers balancing relations between the US and China. Analysts see Hegseth’s outreach as an attempt to restore trust with Southeast Asian nations and reinforce Washington’s role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific.

As competition between the US and China continues to shape regional geopolitics, this summit underlined Washington’s long-term commitment to its alliances — and its determination to counter Beijing’s growing influence across Asia.