US ready to share tools to help allies counter China: Pete Hegseth

Key Concepts

• Shared Maritime Domain Awareness: A collaborative approach to monitoring and understanding maritime activities in a region.
• Peace Through Strength: A foreign policy doctrine emphasizing military power as a means to achieve and maintain peace.
• Code of Conduct (South China Sea): A proposed set of rules and guidelines for behavior in the South China Sea, aimed at preventing conflict.
• ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): A regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten member states in Southeast Asia.
• ADMM Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus): A forum for dialogue and cooperation on defense and security issues between ASEAN member states and its dialogue partners.
• Deterrence: The act of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
• Sovereignty, Security, and Freedom of Navigation: Fundamental principles of international relations concerning a state's independence, safety, and the right to unimpeded passage through international waters.

US Commitment to Southeast Asia and Countering China

The United States has reiterated its commitment to supporting allies in Southeast Asia, particularly in countering China's actions in the region. Secretary of Defense Pete Hexf, speaking at the ASEAN defense chiefs' meeting in Kuala Lumpur, directly addressed Beijing's "destabilizing action" in the South China Sea. He emphasized that Washington seeks peace and not conflict but stressed the necessity of ensuring China does not seek to dominate regional countries.

Proposal for Shared Maritime Domain Awareness

A key proposal put forth by Secretary Hexf was the establishment of a "shared maritime domain awareness." This initiative aims to enhance the collective ability of Southeast Asian nations to monitor and understand maritime activities, thereby strengthening their capacity to counter China's assertiveness.

US Interests in the Indo-Pacific

Melissa Go, CNA senior correspondent, explained that the US Secretary of Defense's presence and statements signify America's deep-seated interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Southeast Asia is identified as a priority for the US administration. The "America First" policy, as articulated, does not imply isolation but rather a focus on enabling allies to uphold their sovereignty, security, and freedom of navigation. The US believes in maintaining military strength as a prerequisite for peace, a tenet repeatedly emphasized by Secretary Hexf.

Reaffirming Trust and Partnerships

When asked about regaining the trust of Southeast Asian partners, Secretary Hexf expressed confidence that trust had not been lost. He highlighted the US's long-standing presence and commitment to the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing pride in partnerships within ASEAN and ADMM Plus.

Concerns Raised with China

During bilateral and joint meetings, including with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun, Secretary Hexf raised concerns regarding Chinese activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. The US stated its readiness to "stoutly defend its interests and interests of its allies." This stance is linked to President Trump's directive to revive nuclear testing, underscoring the importance of a strong nuclear arsenal for "peace through strength."

ASEAN's Mixed Responses and Consensus Challenges

Responses within ASEAN to US initiatives and China's actions were noted as mixed. Malaysia, as the host of ASEAN, voiced concerns, while the Philippines considered US defense deterrence an internal matter. The Malaysian Defense Minister, Muhammad Khaled Nordin, acknowledged the inherent difficulty in achieving consensus among ASEAN's 11 member countries due to differing views. However, he highlighted that frank and honest exchanges were crucial for maintaining open communication channels, trust, and respect.

Agreement on Peace, Prosperity, and ASEAN Centrality

Despite differing perspectives, ASEAN members and dialogue partners agreed on the paramount importance of peace and prosperity and the need for ASEAN to maintain its centrality in regional affairs.

US Offer of Support

The US offered tangible support to ASEAN, including $10 million USD for logistic support to maintain peace along the Cambodia and Thai borders. Additionally, technical assistance was offered to enhance maritime domain awareness, specifically to counter what was described as China's "illegal" activities and harassment in the South China Sea.

Progress on the South China Sea Code of Conduct

The Malaysian Defense Minister also reported that China had agreed to expedite efforts towards the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. However, it was noted that after over two decades of talks, the responsibility now falls on the Philippines, as the next chair, to conclude this code by 2026, when it assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The US is actively engaging with Southeast Asian nations to bolster their security capabilities and counter China's growing influence, particularly in the South China Sea. Key initiatives include promoting shared maritime domain awareness and reinforcing the principle of "peace through strength." While ASEAN members share a common goal of peace and prosperity, achieving consensus on specific actions remains a challenge. The US reiterates its long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of allied strength and freedom of navigation. The progress on the South China Sea Code of Conduct, though ongoing, is a critical element in managing regional tensions.