In a strategic move to enhance regional security ties, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met on Friday with his counterparts from China and India during the ASEAN defense summit in Malaysia. The United States aims to bolster its presence in the Indo-Pacific in response to China's assertive military activities, particularly in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

Hegseth and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh signed a pivotal 10-year defense cooperation framework deemed essential for regional stability. This agreement serves as a cornerstone, particularly as discussions regarding India's procurement of U.S. military hardware continue. Meanwhile, Hegseth is poised to meet with leaders from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand to further solidify alliances.

Tensions remain high i

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