U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth met this week with China’s top defense official, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of a major security summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting is part of a broader U.S. effort to address rising threats in the Indo-Pacific region, especially as China grows more aggressive in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. For Americans watching from home, the outcome of these talks matters more than it may seem. What happens in Asia could soon affect our economy, our military, and our national security.
Hegseth called the meeting “good and constructive,” but he made clear that the U.S. is not backing down. He told the Chinese that the United States will “stoutly defend” its interests in the region. That includes keeping sea lanes open, protecting allies like Taiwan and the Philippines, and making sure China does not dominate its neighbors through force or threats.
This meeting comes as tensions in the region continue to rise. China claims large parts of the South China Sea, an area through which over $3 trillion in global trade passes each year. Beijing has built artificial islands and military bases in disputed waters, ignoring international rulings and pushing out fishermen and coast guards from other countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Even more serious is the situation with Taiwan. China says the island belongs to them and has not ruled out taking it by force. But Taiwan is a self-governing democracy, and the U.S. has long supported its right to defend itself. A war over Taiwan could drag in the United States and its allies and trigger a global economic crisis, especially given Taiwan’s central role in producing advanced computer chips.
That’s why Hegseth’s message to Admiral Dong matters. The Trump administration is making it clear that America is serious about peace through strength. We don’t want war, but we won’t be pushed around either.
In addition to his meeting with China, Hegseth also signed a major new defense deal with India. The 10-year agreement aims to boost military cooperation and technology sharing between the two countries. India, which shares a long border with China, has had its own clashes with Beijing in recent years. By strengthening ties with New Delhi, Washington is building a powerful counterweight to Chinese influence in Asia.
Hegseth didn’t stop there. He also met with Malaysia’s defense minister to reaffirm America’s support for smaller nations facing pressure from China. Malaysia is one of several Southeast Asian countries whose waters are being encroached upon by Chinese naval forces. Standing with these partners sends a message that the U.S. will not allow China to isolate or intimidate its neighbors.
This year’s ASEAN defense summit also included officials from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and even Russia. These countries don’t always agree on everything, but they all understand that stability in the Indo-Pacific is essential to global peace and prosperity.
For Americans, the stakes are high. If China takes control of key shipping routes, it could cut off vital goods, raise prices at home, and weaken our economy. If a conflict breaks out over Taiwan, U.S. troops and resources may be called upon to respond. That’s why maintaining a strong presence in the region is not just about helping allies—it’s about protecting our way of life.
Secretary Hegseth’s visit to Kuala Lumpur shows that the U.S. is not asleep at the wheel. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is reasserting its role as a global power that stands by its allies and defends peace through strength.
In the months ahead, Americans should watch Asia closely. The region is shaping up to be the front line of freedom.