U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has raised serious concerns about China’s expanding military aggression around Taiwan and across the South China Sea.
Hegseth issued the warning on Friday local time during his first in-person meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Adm. Dong Jun.
The meeting took place in Malaysia, where regional defense chiefs convened for a Southeast Asian security summit.
It comes just one day after President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea.
“I highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth wrote on X following the talks.
He added that he “emphasized U.S. concerns about China’s activities in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and towards U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.”
Hegseth made clear that while the United States does not seek conflict, it will “continue to stoutly defend its interests and ensure it has the capabilities in the region to do so.”
Today, I met with China’s Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus. It was a good and constructive meeting. I highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized U.S.… pic.twitter.com/CcipIBWb4b
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 31, 2025
Beijing Pushes Back Over Taiwan
Adm. Dong reiterated the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) claim that Taiwan belongs to China.
He also warned that the United States should “be cautious in its words and actions on the Taiwan issue,” according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.
Beijing urged Washington to “take a clear stance firmly opposing ‘Taiwan independence,’” as reported by state-run Chinese media.
The CCP, which has never governed Taiwan, considers the self-ruled island a breakaway province and has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring it under its control.
In recent months, China has escalated military provocations by flying warplanes near the island nearly every day and conducting large-scale combat drills around the Taiwan Strait.
The moves have alarmed U.S. and allied defense officials.
According to American intelligence assessments, Xi Jinping has ordered China’s military to be prepared for a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027.
Under U.S. law, Washington is obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, even though it does not maintain formal diplomatic ties with the island.
Hegseth: ‘The Threats We Face Are Real and Urgent’
During a stop in Tokyo earlier this week, Hegseth underscored the urgency of confronting China’s rapid military buildup.
“The threats we face are real and they are urgent,” Hegseth said during a joint press conference with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday.
“China’s unprecedented military buildup and its aggressive military actions in the region speak for themselves.”
He praised Japan’s plans to boost defense spending, calling the U.S.–Japan alliance “critical to deterring Chinese military aggression, to responding to regional contingencies, and keeping our countries safe.”
Strengthening U.S. Partnerships: India and the Philippines
After meeting with Dong, Hegseth held additional bilateral sessions with several key allies, including India and the Philippines, to reinforce military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
U.S.–India Defense Framework
Hegseth unveiled a 10-year defense framework with India, expanding joint security initiatives and technology sharing.
“This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence,” Hegseth wrote on X.
“Our defense ties have never been stronger.”
I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Framework.
This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence.
We're enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been… pic.twitter.com/hPmkZdMDv2
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 31, 2025
India’s Defense Ministry described the meeting with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh as “cordial and constructive”, noting both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
The ministry said the new agreement would provide “policy direction” for U.S.–India security ties and mark “a new era of collaboration across all pillars of the bilateral relationship.”
U.S.–Philippines Joint Task Force
The United States also announced a new Joint Task Force–Philippines to enhance coordination and preparedness in contested areas of the South China Sea.
According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the task force “will increase operational cooperation, improve combined planning, and enhance interoperability, particularly in the South China Sea.”
Hegseth confirmed the partnership, writing on X:
“The United States will work relentlessly to reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea and advance our alliance.”
A Message of Deterrence
Hegseth’s Asia tour underscores the Trump administration’s intensified effort to counter Beijing’s expansionism through a web of strategic alliances, signaling that America intends to project strength, not retreat, in the face of growing threats.
With rising tensions near Taiwan and a volatile South China Sea, Hegseth’s message was clear: the United States will meet Chinese aggression with readiness, resolve, and regional unity.
READ MORE – New Evidence Dooms Fauci as Pardon Now Appears ‘Void’
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.