Hegseth backs military alliances with India and Philippines during ASEAN meeting
發佈日期: 2025-10-31 21:36
TVB News
The ASEAN Defence Ministers' meeting kicked off in Kuala Lumpur today with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stealing much of the spotlight as he engaged in high-profile meetings on the sidelines.
The regions defence ministers portrayed a sense of unity at the opening of their meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. But the focus went beyond the 11 countries that make up the bloc.
Instead, the spotlight shone on high-profile guests from the United States, China, India, Japan and others who see Southeast Asia as crucial to their respective national interests.
China's Defence Minister Dong Jun joined his ASEAN counterparts at a lunch meeting today.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he spoke with Dong today and told him the US would "stoutly defend its interests" and maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
This as Hegseth signed a 10-year defence framework with Rajnath Singh, defence secretary of China's regional rival India.
"We have a major defence partnership that is ongoing and is made even more powerful by this agreement so sir, thank you," said Hegseth.
Crucially, Hegseth also met with the Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, whose country has had skirmishes with Chinese vessels in the nearby Huangyan Dao, or Scarborough Shoal, and other reefs claimed by both Beijing and Manila.
Hegseth announced a Task Force Philippines aimed at response and deterrence to military threats in the region.
"And we don't seek confrontation," said Hegseth. "But of course, we're ready to protect our interests individually and mutually."
Dong said he told Hegseth that the US should "oppose Taiwan independence", adding that China possesses the "full capability to calmly respond" to any infringements or provocations.
He said China and the US should enhance communication between their defence departments and increase high-level military interaction.
