U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in Malaysia for a crucial meeting with Southeast Asian defense leaders, aiming to strengthen security relationships against China's bold moves in the region. Hegseth seeks to fortify ties with countries including India and Indonesia as a strategic countermeasure.

The agenda includes a significant discussion with India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on acquiring U.S. military hardware and potential frameworks for future U.S.-India defense collaboration. Also present at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering are representatives from Australia, China, New Zealand, South Korea, and Russia.

Security in the South China Sea was a focal point, with Hegseth meeting Malaysia's Defense Minister to address maritime stability amid China's ag

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