Pete Hegseth Meets ASEAN Defense Leaders in Malaysia: Key Insights on South China Sea Tensions

In a pivotal diplomatic engagement amid escalating South China Sea tensions, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth convened with ASEAN defense leaders in Malaysia. This meeting underscores the United States’ commitment to countering China’s expansive maritime claims while fostering multilateral cooperation in Southeast Asia. Discover the statements, proposals, and broader implications for US-ASEAN defense relations.

Introduction

The recent gathering of Pete Hegseth with ASEAN defense ministers in Malaysia highlights ongoing US efforts to strengthen alliances against provocative actions in the South China Sea. Hosted in a key ASEAN nation, the discussions addressed Beijing’s territorial assertions, which challenge international norms and regional peace. This event, reported on November 3, 2025, by Life Pulse Daily and corroborated by The Associated Press, emphasizes shared maritime security and deterrence strategies.

Background on ASEAN and Regional Dynamics

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises 10 member states, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, all with stakes in the contested South China Sea. China’s “nine-dash line” claims overlap with exclusive economic zones of several nations, leading to frequent incidents involving fishing vessels, coast guards, and military assets. Hegseth’s participation signals Washington’s proactive role in ASEAN defense cooperation, building on prior summits.

Analysis

Pete Hegseth’s remarks at the Malaysia meeting provide a clear US stance on South China Sea disputes. He criticized China’s sweeping territorial and maritime claims as contradicting commitments to peaceful dispute resolution, a position aligned with international law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Hegseth’s Core Statements

“China’s sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea fly in the face of their commitments to resolve disputes peacefully,” Hegseth stated, per The Associated Press. He further clarified, “We seek peace. We do not seek war. But we must ensure that China is not seeking to dominate you or anyone else.” These words frame US policy as defensive and alliance-focused.

Defense of US Allies like the Philippines

Incidents between China’s maritime fleet and the Philippines have intensified, with Beijing labeling Manila a “troublemaker” after joint naval and air drills with the US, Australia, and New Zealand. Hegseth defended the Philippines, calling China’s designation of Scarborough Shoal—seized in 2012—as a “nature reserve” another coercive tactic to expand claims at neighbors’ expense.

Proposals for Enhanced Cooperation

Hegseth urged ASEAN to finalize the long-pending Code of Conduct (COC) with China. He advocated for a “shared maritime domain awareness” network and rapid-response mechanisms to ensure no member faces aggression alone. Additionally, he endorsed an upcoming ASEAN-US maritime exercise in December to bolster leadership and freedom of navigation.

Summary

In summary, Pete Hegseth’s ASEAN defense leaders meeting in Malaysia focused on countering China’s South China Sea aggression through diplomatic pressure, alliance-building, and practical security measures. Following recent US-China presidential talks, Hegseth also engaged positively with Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun, signaling channels for military cooperation to reduce tensions.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For policymakers, analysts, and stakeholders monitoring US-ASEAN defense cooperation, consider these actionable steps to engage with South China Sea developments:

Monitoring Tools and Resources

Track real-time maritime activities using platforms like the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) by CSIS. Subscribe to ASEAN defense forums and US Indo-Pacific Command updates for timely insights on exercises like the planned December drill.

Engagement Strategies

Businesses in shipping and fisheries should diversify routes to avoid disputed zones. Diplomatic actors can advocate for COC finalization by supporting ASEAN-led talks. Educate teams on UNCLOS basics to contextualize risks.

Educational Approaches

In classrooms or briefings, use maps of the nine-dash line versus EEZs to illustrate overlaps. Discuss Hegseth’s proposals as models for multilateral deterrence, emphasizing “shared awareness” networks akin to existing US-led initiatives like the Quad.

Points of Caution

While Pete Hegseth’s Malaysia meeting advances US-ASEAN ties, several risks warrant attention in South China Sea tensions:

Escalation Risks

Frequent Philippines-China clashes could spiral if rapid-response mechanisms lag. ASEAN’s consensus-based decisions may delay COC progress, leaving vulnerabilities.

Geopolitical Balances

US assurances must avoid provoking Beijing, as seen in Ambassador Xie’s comments. Over-reliance on military exercises risks militarizing disputes, undermining peaceful resolutions.

Domestic Considerations

ASEAN nations balance economic ties with China—its largest trade partner—against security needs, potentially diluting unified responses.

Comparison

Pete Hegseth’s engagement compares to prior US-ASEAN defense interactions, evolving from broad summits to targeted South China Sea focus.

Versus Past US Secretaries’ Visits

Unlike Lloyd Austin’s 2023 Shangri-La Dialogue emphasis on broad Indo-Pacific strategy, Hegseth’s Malaysia talks zeroed in on China-specific provocations and actionable proposals like domain awareness networks—echoing but advancing Trump-era “free and open Indo-Pacific” rhetoric.

ASEAN-US Milestones

The December exercise builds on annual Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) drills. Compared to 2016 arbitration favoring Philippines, current diplomacy integrates legal wins with enforcement tools, marking matured US-ASEAN defense cooperation.

Legal Implications

South China Sea disputes carry significant legal weight under verifiable international frameworks, directly relevant to Hegseth’s critiques.

UNCLOS and 2016 Arbitration

The 1982 UNCLOS defines maritime zones, rejecting China’s nine-dash line in the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling for the Philippines. Hegseth’s push for COC aligns with this, as it would codify UNCLOS-compliant behavior.

Implications for Claims and Drills

Scarborough Shoal’s “nature reserve” status lacks legal basis under UNCLOS, potentially violating EEZ rights. Joint US-Philippines drills are lawful freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs), protected by customary international law. Finalizing COC could prevent escalations, with binding dispute mechanisms.

US-China Military Channels

Post-Trump-Xi agreements for cooperation channels comply with arms control norms, reducing miscalculation risks per Incidents at Sea (INCSEA) protocols.

Conclusion

Pete Hegseth’s meeting with ASEAN defense leaders in Malaysia reinforces US commitment to a rules-based order amid South China Sea tensions. By defending allies, proposing practical tools like shared awareness, and balancing engagement with China, the US advances regional stability. This event exemplifies strategic diplomacy, urging ASEAN to unite for deterrence without domination. Ongoing exercises and talks will test these commitments, shaping Southeast Asia’s security landscape.

FAQ