KUALA LUMPUR — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met senior Malaysian officials on Thursday during a regional tour focused on security cooperation, maritime stability and Washington’s engagement in Asia amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea.
Malaysia’s Defense Ministry said Hegseth held talks with Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin in Kuala Lumpur, where the two sides discussed defense ties, military training and regional security issues. Officials said the visit formed part of broader U.S. efforts to strengthen partnerships across Southeast Asia.
In a statement, Malaysia’s ministry said both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining “peace, security and stability” in the Indo-Pacific region. The ministry said discussions also covered maritime cooperation and ongoing joint military engagements.
“The meeting reflects the longstanding defense relationship between Malaysia and the United States,” the ministry said.
The U.S. Department of Defense said Hegseth’s trip included meetings with allies and regional partners aimed at reinforcing cooperation on freedom of navigation, disaster response and defense modernization. Pentagon officials said the visit comes as Washington seeks to expand security coordination with countries in Southeast Asia.
Hegseth also met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to Malaysian state media. Details of the discussion were not immediately released.
The meetings took place against a backdrop of continuing friction in the South China Sea, where several Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, have overlapping maritime claims with China. Beijing has repeatedly defended its activities in the contested waters, while the United States has increased military engagement and naval operations in the region in recent years.
China’s Foreign Ministry has previously said outside powers should avoid actions that could increase tensions in regional waters. Washington has said its operations are consistent with international law.
Malaysia traditionally maintains a balanced approach between major powers and has continued economic and security cooperation with both China and the United States. Analysts have said Kuala Lumpur has sought to avoid being drawn into broader strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
The Pentagon said Hegseth would continue his Asia trip with additional meetings in the region over the coming days. Malaysian officials said defense cooperation programs between the two countries would continue, though details of any new agreements announced during Thursday’s meetings remained unclear.
