South China Sea Dispute:

US, Philippines Stage Drills

Growing Tensions

US and Malaysia Boost Security Partnership in South China Sea

Pete Hegseth after the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 30. — Pete Hegseth after the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 30.
Photographer: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images

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By Philip Heijmans

October 31, 2025 at 1:56 AM UTC

The US and Malaysia signed a pact solidifying bilateral defense ties, underscoring a commitment to security in the disputed South China Sea.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth oversaw the signing of the memorandum of understanding with his counterpart on Thursday during a visit to the Southeast Asian nation for a regional defense summit.