U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun at an ASEAN defence summit in Malaysia , launching a series of talks aimed at strengthening regional security ties.

Hegseth said on X that he told China’s Dong Jun the United States would “stoutly defend its interests” and maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, while voicing concern about Chinese activities in the disputed South China Sea and around Taiwan.

He also hailed “a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence” a new 10-year defence cooperation framework signed with Rajnath Singh.

“It’s a significant step for our two militaries, a roadmap for deeper and even more meaningful collaboration ahead,” Hegseth told reporters after the signing.

He

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