China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized China on Saturday for escalating “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea, vowing to strengthen regional security ties and provide Southeast Asian nations with advanced technology to counter Beijing’s growing influence. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur during multilateral talks with defense ministers from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, Hegseth emphasized the need for a joint maritime awareness initiative to help ASEAN countries respond collectively to Chinese threats.
“You live it—the threats we all face from China’s aggression and conduct in the South China Sea,” Hegseth said, stressing that the United States aims to ensure regional partners are “never alone” in the face of provocation. He added, “No one can innovate and scale like the United States of America, and we’re eager to share those capabilities with allies and partners.”
His remarks followed joint naval exercises by the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, which China condemned as a move that “undermined peace and stability.” Beijing continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The Chinese Coast Guard has frequently clashed with Philippine vessels and disrupted regional energy exploration efforts—actions Beijing defends as legitimate protection of its sovereignty.
China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun urged ASEAN to “pool Eastern strength” to maintain regional stability. Meanwhile, Hegseth’s Southeast Asia visit came amid heightened tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to resume nuclear weapons testing after a 33-year halt. Hegseth described the move as “prudent,” underscoring America’s intent to maintain “an unmatched military power” and safeguard peace through strength.
Hegseth reiterated that Washington seeks peace, not conflict, but warned that China’s ambitions to dominate the Indo-Pacific must be closely watched.
