KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Reuters) – Pentagon leader Pete Hegseth has criticized Beijing for its growing “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea. He pledged to support Southeast Asian nations with technology to help them collectively respond to threats from China.

During his second day in Kuala Lumpur filled with meetings, including discussions with allies from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, Hegseth suggested that ASEAN defense ministers enhance their shared maritime awareness. He noted that China has shown disrespect and has threatened the territorial integrity of these nations.

“You experience the threats from China’s aggression and its actions in the South China Sea and beyond,” he stated.

“We need to improve our ability to respond together, which includes monitoring maritime activities and developing tools that enable swift responses... ensuring that anyone facing aggression is not alone,” he added.

Hegseth emphasized, “No one can innovate and scale like the United States of America, and we are keen to share those capabilities with our allies and partners.”

CHINESE COAST GUARD ARMADA

His comments came after joint drills by the armed forces of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the U.S. in the South China Sea. A Chinese military spokesperson claimed that these exercises “seriously undermined peace and stability.”

China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

China has sent a large number of coast guard vessels far from its mainland, which have clashed repeatedly with Filipino boats and disrupted energy activities in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Beijing insists it is not acting aggressively, claiming its coast guard operates professionally to defend its territory against intrusions.

On Friday, Defense Minister Dong Jun highlighted the need for China and ASEAN to collaborate to “pool Eastern strength” and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

NUCLEAR WEAPONS TESTING

Hegseth’s visit to Southeast Asia followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s social media post announcing he requested the military to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons” after a 33-year hiatus, seemingly aimed at China and Russia.

It was not clear if Trump referred to nuclear-explosive testing, typically conducted by the National Nuclear Security Administration, or testing of nuclear-capable missiles.

When reporters inquired about the nature of the testing, Hegseth stated his department would provide further information later, adding, “We have very capable nuclear options, and testing them is just prudent.”

In his address to the defense ministers’ forum, Hegseth highlighted the U.S. commitment to building unmatched military power globally while reiterating its support for allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

He underscored the importance of dialogue with China, noting the value in speaking with his Chinese counterpart recently, but cautioned that Beijing’s actions should be closely monitored.

“We seek peace. We do not seek conflict, but we must ensure that China does not aim to dominate you or anyone else,” Hegseth told ASEAN officials.