The American Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, held meetings with his counterparts from China and India at an ASEAN meeting, highlighting the U.S. commitment to maintaining the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

Pete Hegseth, the American Secretary of Defense, attended an ASEAN defense meeting in Malaysia, where he held meetings with counterparts from China and India. Hegseth emphasized that the United States will firmly defend its interests in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed concerns about China's activities in the South China Sea. He also welcomed the signing of a defense cooperation framework with India, considering it an important step for military collaboration.

Hegseth also discussed the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Indian goods, which have affected defense equipment purchases. Additionally, he is set to meet with defense ministers from other countries in the region, including Indonesia and the Philippines, to strengthen security ties. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue to be a source of tension, and Hegseth reiterated the U.S. commitment to countering China's influence. He also urged Japan to increase its defense spending, highlighting the importance of the alliance between Washington and Tokyo in the face of Chinese aggression.