Seoul: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth returned home Tuesday, wrapping up a nine-day trip to the Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming America's commitment to its allies and partners in light of China's increasing assertiveness and North Korea's advancing military capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the trip, which commenced on October 27, saw the Pentagon chief emphasize that President Donald Trump's America First policy does not imply "America alone." Hegseth aimed to dispel concerns that Trump's policy might suggest an inward-looking stance that could weaken U.S. defense commitments in the region.
Hegseth's itinerary included stops in Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea. Throughout his journey, he underscored U.S. commitments while urging allies and partners to enhance their own defense capabilities and contribute to "collective defense" in the Indo-Pacific, which he described as America's "priority" theater.
The final destination of his Asia tour was South Korea. On Monday, Hegseth, together with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas. This visit signified their solidarity against the persistent threats from North Korea and marked the first joint visit to the DMZ by the defense chiefs since 2017.
On the subsequent day, the two defense leaders conducted the annual Security Consultative Meeting to discuss a variety of alliance matters. These discussions included South Korea's push to regain wartime operational control from the U.S., combined defense strategies, and U.S. troop presence in South Korea.
During a press conference, Hegseth pledged interagency efforts to fulfill Trump's commitment regarding the construction of nuclear-powered submarines for South Korea, a promise welcomed by South Korea as it seeks to enhance its independent military capabilities.
Hegseth also reiterated Washington's dedication to deterring North Korea, emphasizing continued nuclear deterrence to ensure North Korea's threats do not endanger the Republic of Korea.
In his visit to Malaysia, Hegseth attended bilateral and multilateral events involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During this time, China's military activities in the East and South China Seas and around Taiwan have raised concerns among several ASEAN members.
Hegseth aimed to address these concerns, proposing collective efforts such as developing a shared maritime awareness platform, and publicly criticized Beijing's maritime activities that have caused tensions with ASEAN members and regional allies.
In a meeting with ASEAN counterparts, he stated, "We are implementing America First. But America First does not mean America alone. It means with our allies and partners able to uphold stability, security, freedom of navigation, ultimately peace."
While attending the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus, Hegseth held his first in-person discussions with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, expressing "serious" concerns over China's maritime activities. He emphasized that while America does not seek conflict, it will protect its interests in the region.
In Japan, Hegseth met with new Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. They reiterated their commitment to enhancing security cooperation, pointing to China's ongoing military buildup as a key concern.
During his visit to Vietnam, Hegseth met with key Vietnamese leaders, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Military Committee To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang. He reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to strengthening a "mutually beneficial" partnership with Vietnam, highlighting the transformation of the bilateral relationship from former adversaries to "comprehensive strategic partners."