US watching China 'very closely' in South China Sea, Hegseth tells ASEAN counterparts

Key Concepts

• Indo-Pacific Security: US commitment to defending its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
• US-China Relations: Dialogue and concerns regarding Chinese activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
• ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM): A platform for regional defense cooperation and discussions.
• Nuclear Testing: A controversial statement by former President Trump regarding potential nuclear testing.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Technological advancements and US capabilities in monitoring maritime activities.
• Unmanned Systems: The role of drones and unmanned vessels in enhancing MDA.
• "Peace Through Strength" and "America First": US foreign policy principles emphasizing strength and alliances.
• Code of Conduct in the South China Sea: The importance of a robust agreement for dispute resolution.

US Defense Secretary's Meeting with Chinese Counterpart

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Hegseth described the meeting as "good and constructive." During the talks, Hegseth stated that Washington would "stoutly defend its interests in the Indo-Pacific." He also raised US concerns regarding Chinese activities in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and towards US allies and partners in the region.

Security Ties with India and Regional Cooperation

The US Secretary of Defense also signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening security ties with India. This action underscores the US focus on building partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN Concerns and Nuclear Testing

ASEAN Secretary General Ko Kim Horn indicated that some ASEAN members might seek further details from Secretary Hegseth about US nuclear testing at a planned ASEAN-US meeting on Saturday. This concern stems from a statement made by former President Trump on social media, suggesting the US would resume nuclear testing on an "equal basis with Russia and China." While there were no immediate signs of the US initiating such tests, Trump's comments were seen as a significant potential shift in US policy, though he offered few details. Ko Kim Horn emphasized the global importance of preventing the use of nuclear weapons, stating, "For the security and safety of the world, I think it's important to bear in mind that the world should never see the use of another nuclear weapon."

Dialogue and Actions in the South China Sea

The transcript reiterates the importance of dialogue between the US and China, noting that both President Trump and Chairman Xi have engaged in discussions, as have Secretary Hegseth and Admiral Dong Jun. However, the US perspective emphasizes that "inside that dialogue we are most importantly watching actions watching actions very close closely." The US seeks peace and not conflict, but aims to ensure that China is not seeking to dominate any nation.

Code of Conduct in the South China Sea

ASEAN members are urged to continue working towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The transcript highlights the critical point that "a code without the ability to back it up with action could just be empty words." The principle of collective security is also mentioned: "where threats to one are known by all goes a long way ensuring that whoever is on the receiving end of aggression and provocation is then therefore by definition not alone."

Technological Revolution in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

The US is leveraging a "technological revolution in the tools that enable greater maritime domain awareness." The transcript asserts that "No one can innovate and scale like the United States of America," and the US is eager to share these capabilities with allies and partners. This revolution includes the use of unmanned aircraft and surface and undersea vessels, which are supplementing and sometimes replacing traditional ships and planes for MDA tasks. These advancements are noted for creating "remarkable operational impacts at lower cost and risk."

Proposal for Collaboration on Unmanned Systems

Secretary Hegseth proposed working together with regional forces to "develop and field the operational concepts and unmanned systems that can enable greater awareness in the maritime domain." The belief is that "We're stronger when the tools and the skills that we have are wielded together."

US Foreign Policy Principles: "Peace Through Strength" and "America First"

Secretary Hegseth articulated the US approach as "pursuing peace through strength." He described the US compass as "oriented on common sense" and confirmed the implementation of "America First." However, he clarified that "America First does not mean America alone. It means with our allies and partners."

Regaining Trust and US Presence in the Indo-Pacific

When asked about regaining the trust of regional partners, Secretary Hegseth stated, "I don't think we lost it." He emphasized the US focus on the Indo-Pacific, highlighting that the US has "been a Pacific country for a very long time" and is "never gone and aren't going anywhere." The US expressed pride in its partnerships within ADMM Plus and ASEAN.

Conclusion

The US Secretary of Defense's engagements in Kuala Lumpur underscored a dual approach: maintaining open dialogue with China while simultaneously strengthening security alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Key concerns revolve around China's assertive actions in the South China Sea and the need for a robust Code of Conduct. The US is also emphasizing its technological leadership, particularly in maritime domain awareness, and proposing collaborative development of unmanned systems. The underlying US foreign policy framework is one of "peace through strength" and "America First," interpreted as prioritizing national interests in conjunction with allies and partners, not in isolation. The potential for renewed nuclear testing, as hinted at by former President Trump, remains a point of concern for regional actors.