US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth Criticizes China's South China Sea Actions, Urges Collective Response

US Defence Secretary Addresses South China Sea Tensions in Kuala Lumpur

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has voiced strong criticism against China's military activities in the South China Sea, urging Southeast Asian nations to bolster their collective efforts to counter what he described as 'destabilizing actions' by Beijing. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during a meeting with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on November 1 and 2, 2025, Hegseth highlighted the ongoing tensions in the disputed waters.

Hegseth's remarks underscored Washington's growing concern over China's assertive posture in a region vital to global trade and security. He emphasized that 'no country should face such aggression alone,' advocating for a united front among regional partners.

Specific Criticisms of China's Maritime Conduct

During his address, Secretary Hegseth detailed several points of contention regarding China's actions. He specifically cited 'incidents such as ramming of vessels and the use of water cannons' as examples of China's aggression in recent months. Hegseth also condemned Beijing's recent declaration of the Scarborough Shoal as a 'nature reserve,' a move he characterized as 'yet another attempt to coerce new and expanded territorial and maritime claims at your expense.' The Scarborough Shoal was forcefully seized by China from the Philippines in 2012.

The US Defence Secretary asserted that China's 'sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea fly in the face of their commitments to resolve disputes peacefully.' He further noted China's 'lack of respect for territorial sovereignty,' which he believes challenges and threatens the sovereignty of nations in the region.

Calls for Enhanced Collective Security and Cooperation

In response to these perceived threats, Hegseth called for significant collective action from Southeast Asian countries. He urged them to 'strengthen their joint capabilities to confront Chinese threats' and proposed the development of 'shared maritime awareness.' This shared awareness, he explained, would create a network to ensure that any member facing 'aggression and provocation is not alone.'

Furthermore, Hegseth pressed ASEAN to expedite the conclusion of a long-delayed Code of Conduct that the bloc is negotiating with China to govern behavior at sea. He also recommended strengthening capabilities through 'enhanced joint surveillance and rapid-response tools' to deter provocations effectively.

Broader Context and US-China Relations

The South China Sea remains one of Asia's most volatile flashpoints, with Beijing claiming nearly the entire region, leading to conflicts with several ASEAN members, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. Despite China's insistence that it operates professionally to defend its territory, the US maintains that these actions are destabilizing.

Interestingly, following his strong criticisms, Secretary Hegseth also announced that Washington and Beijing would establish military-to-military communication channels. He stated that bilateral ties between the two nations have 'never been better' after a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the regional security meeting. This indicates a complex diplomatic landscape where direct communication is maintained even amidst significant disagreements over regional security.