US Defense Chief Strengthens Alliances at ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

During a significant series of meetings at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defence summit in Kuala Lumpur, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth engaged in discussions with key counterparts from China and India on October 31, 2023. These talks are part of a broader strategy by Washington to enhance its influence and security partnerships in the region.

Hegseth asserted the US commitment to “stoutly defend its interests” in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance in the face of Chinese assertiveness. He expressed concern over Chinese activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan in his conversation with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun.

In a notable development, Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh finalized a new ten-year defence cooperation framework, which Hegseth described as “a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence.” He highlighted the agreement as a significant step towards deeper military collaboration between the two nations. This meeting marked their first encounter since the US imposed tariffs of 50 percent on Indian goods in August 2023, a response to India’s purchases of Russian oil that had previously stalled US-India defence equipment agreements.

Hegseth’s visit coincided with a controversial announcement by former President Donald Trump, who called for the resumption of nuclear weapons testing, raising concerns within the international community. Trump’s statement, made via social media, suggested that the US should not lag behind Russia and China in nuclear capabilities. When queried about the implications of Trump’s comments regarding nuclear tests, Hegseth refrained from providing clarification.

The issue of nuclear weapons is particularly sensitive in Southeast Asia, where ASEAN consistently advocates for a nuclear-free zone. Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reiterated this position during a media briefing, emphasizing the organization’s opposition to nuclear armaments and its goal of securing commitments from all nuclear-weapon states.

In response to the evolving security landscape, the US has sought to reinforce its presence in Southeast Asia, with Hegseth assuring ASEAN leaders of America’s steadfast partnership. He stated, “We intend to be a strong partner for many generations,” underscoring the US commitment to regional security.

Hegseth’s agenda included discussions with Thailand‘s Defence Minister, reaffirming the long-standing alliance between the two nations. He characterized Indonesia as “an anchor of regional stability” and highlighted the importance of advancing defence partnerships with the Philippines. His meeting with Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro focused on strategies to “re-establish deterrence in the South China Sea.”

China’s claims over nearly the entire South China Sea have led to increasing tensions, particularly with countries like the Philippines, which has faced confrontations with Chinese vessels. Beijing maintains that its coast guard operates professionally to defend its territorial claims against incursions. Dong Jun, during the ASEAN meeting, stated that China aims to collaborate with its neighbours to enhance regional security, asserting, “With Eastern wisdom, we shall pool Eastern strength.”

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the outcomes of these meetings may play a crucial role in shaping security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. The commitment of the US to strengthen its alliances through strategic dialogues reflects its intention to navigate these complexities while addressing the challenges posed by an increasingly assertive China.