Khaberni - Today, Saturday, US Defense Secretary Pete Higseth issued sharp criticisms of China due to the increasing "destabilizing activities" in the South China Sea, and pledged to support Southeast Asian countries with technology to help them jointly respond to Chinese threats.
On the second day in Kuala Lumpur, filled with meetings that included multilateral talks with ally countries like Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, Higseth proposed to the defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the formation of a shared maritime awareness, stating that China has shown disrespect and threatened the regional sovereignty of their countries.
He added, "We need to develop our joint capabilities to respond, which includes the ability to monitor maritime behavior, develop tools that allow us to respond quickly, and ensure that the party exposed to aggression and provocation is, naturally, not alone."
He continued, "No one can innovate and advance like the United States of America, and we are keen to share those capabilities with allies and partners."
Higseth's statements came one day after the armed forces of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States conducted maneuvers in the South China Sea, which a Chinese military spokesperson said "seriously undermined peace and stability".
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, through a line on its maps that overlaps with parts of the Exclusive Economic Zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
China has deployed a fleet of Coast Guard ships hundreds of kilometers off its mainland coast that has clashed repeatedly with Philippine ships and has been accused of disrupting energy activities in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Beijing denies acting aggressively, saying its coast guard operates professionally in defending Chinese territories from intrusions.
Yesterday, Friday, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said it is imperative that Beijing and ASEAN work together to "mobilize the eastern power" and protect peace and stability in the South China Sea.
