On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a firm message to China’s defense minister, underscoring that the United States is committed to vigorously protecting its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a meeting with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun, held on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) national security summit in Malaysia, Hegseth stressed the critical importance of sustaining a balance of power in the area.

Describing the dialogue as “good and constructive,” Hegseth conveyed his “serious concerns” over China’s recent actions in the South China Sea and its activities surrounding Taiwan. He shared these thoughts on social media platform X, highlighting the sensitive nature of these geopolitical issues.