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US Secretary of Defense pete hegseth on Saturday urged Southeast Asian countries to be resolute and strengthen their maritime forces to counter China’s growing “destabilizing” activities in the south. China Sea.
Speaking at a meeting with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Malaysia, Hegseth reiterated US concern over China’s aggression in the disputed waters, which has intensified in recent months, citing incidents such as ramming ships and the use of water cannons.
The South China Sea remains one of Asia’s most volatile flashpoints. Beijing While claims almost the entire area asean member philippinesVietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also claim ownership of coastal areas and features. The Philippines, a key US ally, has frequently clashed with China’s naval fleet.
Manila has repeatedly urged a stronger regional response, but ASEAN has traditionally sought caution with economic ties with Beijing, the region’s biggest trading partner.
Hegseth criticized Beijing’s recent declaration of Scarborough Shoal, which China forcefully seized from the Philippines in 2012, as a “nature reserve”.
“You don’t build platforms on nature reserves,” he said, describing China’s activities on the uninhabited coast. He told the meeting that this was “another attempt to force new and expanded territorial and maritime claims at your expense.”
Hegseth said China’s provocative actions challenge and threaten territorial sovereignty in the region. Emphasizing that Washington values continued dialogue with Beijing, Hegseth said the US would closely monitor China’s behavior.
“China’s sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea fly in the face of its commitments to resolve disputes peacefully,” he said. “We want peace. We don’t want conflict. But we have to make sure that China is not trying to dominate you or anyone else.”
Hegseth stressed the need for enhanced joint surveillance and rapid response tools to prevent provocations in disputed waters. “Words are hollow without the ability to support them with action,” he said. They welcomed the planned ASEAN-US maritime exercise in December, saying it would enhance interoperability and strengthen freedom of navigation and sovereign rights of all countries.
China rejected US criticism of its maritime conduct, accusing Washington of meddling in regional affairs and stoking tensions through its military presence. Chinese officials say their patrolling and construction activities are lawful and aimed at maintaining security in what they consider Chinese territory.
Chinese officials on Saturday slammed the Philippines for being a “troublemaker” after Manila conducted naval and air drills with the US, Australia and New Zealand in the South China Sea. The two-day exercise that ended Friday was the 12th that the Philippines says it has conducted with partner countries since last year to protect its rights in the disputed waters.
The exercise included anti-submarine warfare simulation, replenishment and refueling at sea, air operations and communications exercises.
Tian Junli, spokesman for China’s People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, said the exercises had seriously undermined regional peace and stability. “This proves that the Philippines is a troublemaker in the South China Sea issue and a threat to regional stability,” he said.