Pentagon Chief Pledges US Technology Support to Counter China's Maritime Aggression in Southeast Asia

Pentagon Chief Hegseth indicated that China had demonstrated disrespect and posed threats to territorial sovereignty of regional nations. (File)

On Saturday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth criticized Beijing regarding escalating "destabilising actions" in the South China Sea and pledged to provide Southeast Asian countries with technology to collectively respond to Chinese threats.

During his second day in Kuala Lumpur filled with meetings, including multilateral discussions with allies Australia, Japan and the Philippines, Hegseth proposed developing shared maritime domain awareness capabilities to ASEAN defense ministers. He emphasized that China had demonstrated disrespect and threatened territorial sovereignty in the region.

"You experience firsthand the threats we all face from China's aggression and actions in the South China Sea and beyond," he stated.

"We must develop our collective capabilities to respond, including monitoring maritime activities and creating tools that enable quick responses... ensuring that those facing aggression and provocation are never standing alone."

"No nation can innovate and scale like the United States of America, and we're eager to share those capabilities with allies and partners," Hegseth added.

Hegseth's comments followed a joint military exercise in the South China Sea conducted by armed forces from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States. A Chinese military spokesperson characterized this patrol as having "seriously undermined peace and stability".

Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea through a demarcation line on its maps that overlaps with portions of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

China has deployed numerous coast guard vessels hundreds of kilometers from its mainland that have repeatedly clashed with Philippine vessels and been accused of interfering with energy operations of Malaysia and Vietnam.

Beijing denies aggressive behavior and maintains that its coast guard has operated professionally in defending Chinese territory from incursions.

On Friday, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun emphasized the importance of China and ASEAN working together to "pool Eastern strength" and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Hegseth's Southeast Asian visit came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced on social media that he had instructed the US military to "start testing our Nuclear Weapons" after a 33-year hiatus, apparently sending a message to nuclear rivals China and Russia.

It remained unclear whether Trump was referring to nuclear-explosive testing, which would be conducted by the National Nuclear Security Administration, or flight testing of nuclear-capable missiles.

When reporters asked what type of testing Trump meant, Hegseth indicated his department would provide further details later, adding: "We possess highly capable nuclear capabilities, and testing them is only prudent."

Addressing the defense ministers' forum, Hegseth highlighted Washington's commitment to peace while emphasizing America's dedication to building a military "unmatched in global power" and reaffirming its commitment to Indo-Pacific allies and partners.

He acknowledged the importance of US-China dialogue and valued his Friday meeting with his Chinese counterpart but cautioned that Beijing's actions require close monitoring.

"We seek peace. We do not seek conflict, but we must ensure that China is not seeking to dominate you or anybody else," Hegseth told the ASEAN counterparts.