During a recent meeting in Malaysia, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Southeast Asian nations to enhance their maritime capabilities to counter China’s aggressive posturing in the South China Sea. Emphasizing the need for a united front, Hegseth called for strengthened cooperation in maritime surveillance, including the use of unmanned technologies, to address intimidation and illegal activities occurring within sovereign waters. He expressed concerns about China’s recent actions, including ramming incidents involving its coast guard and the designation of the disputed Scarborough Shoal as a nature reserve, labeling such moves as unjustifiable. Hegseth’s remarks underline the broader significance of maintaining freedom of navigation and regional stability in the face of China’s growing assertiveness. By advocating for a cohesive response among ASEAN nations, he aims to deter provocations and reinforce collective security in a region critical to global trade and strategic interests. The call for enhanced regional cooperation reflects a growing recognition of the need to counterbalance Beijing’s influence while ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Southeast Asian countries.