KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – U.S. Secretary of Defense, spoke with his Chinese counterpart in Malaysia, emphasizing America’s strong defense of its interests in the Indo-Pacific region. He also solidified security cooperation with India through a new agreement.
The Secretary described his discussion with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun as productive, taking place during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur. He voiced U.S. concerns regarding China’s actions in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and towards allies in the region.
“It is important to keep a strong balance in the Indo-Pacific,” the Secretary stated. “The United States doesn’t want a fight, but will always protect its interests and make sure it can do so in the area.”
China’s defense ministry responded carefully, restating its established positions. They said the reunification of China and Taiwan is something that can’t be stopped and asked the U.S. to be careful with what it says and does about Taiwan.
The Chinese ministry stated, “We hope the U.S. will act on its words about not trying to contain China and not wanting a conflict, and work with China to help make the world more peaceful and safe.”
The Secretary’s meeting with India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh resulted in a signed 10-year defense plan, set to boost military and technology cooperation.
The U.S. has been trying to build a stronger relationship with India, seeing it as a key partner against China. India already uses advanced American equipment in its military.
“This helps our defense partnership, which is very important for keeping the region stable,” the Secretary noted. “Our defense ties are stronger than ever before.”
Minister Singh added that the U.S.-India partnership is key to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. “It shows that we agree on important things and will start a new ten years of working together,” he said.
The agreement comes after tariffs were placed on Indian goods, and concerns about India continuing to purchase Russian oil.
The Secretary also spoke with the defense leaders of Malaysia and the Philippines. He confirmed the U.S. promise to protect the seas in the South China Sea, saying the U.S. will “work hard to make sure there is a strong defense in the South China Sea.”
Malaysia has complained about Chinese ships in its waters but prefers to handle things quietly. This is different from the Philippines, which has had big problems with China at sea. China says it owns almost all of the South China Sea, which overlaps with claims from Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
When asked about restarting nuclear weapon testing, the Malaysian Defense Minister said that ASEAN is a nuclear weapon-free area and wants to avoid anything that could harm people.
ASEAN secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn said some ASEAN members may ask the Secretary for more information about U.S. nuclear testing at a meeting.
“For the safety of the world, it’s important to remember that we should never use nuclear weapons again,” he said.
Former President Trump mentioned restarting nuclear weapon testing, saying it would be equal to what Russia and China are doing. It was not clear if the U.S. would start testing weapons, but it seemed to be a big change in U.S. policy.
ASEAN defense ministers will continue talking with partners including the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia.
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