China urges against 'hijacking' ASEAN defense chiefs' meeting as Hegseth heads to Philippines
- Defense chiefs of 11-member bloc to meet this week in the Philippines, including talks with partner nations
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- Defense chiefs of 11-member bloc to meet this week in the Philippines, including talks with partner nations
By Aamir Latif
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - China on Monday urged against any "hijacking" of this week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense chiefs-plus meeting, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also set to attend the expanded gathering.
"We oppose attempts by anyone to use this platform to seek selfish gains, hijack ASEAN, or create trouble," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing, without naming any country or individual.
The ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus will begin on Wednesday in Manila, capital of the 11-member bloc’s current chair, the Philippines, ahead of also hosting next month’s annual summit.
The ASEAN defense chiefs' meeting with partner nations, Guo added, is meant to play a positive role in enabling regional countries to step up dialogue, boost trust, and promote cooperation. China has not said whether or not a Chinese delegation will attend this week's summit under the plus format.
At the meeting, Hegseth is set to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings to strengthen deterrence, advance key alliances and partnerships, and expand burden-sharing across the region, according to the Pentagon.
Amir Latif Arain