U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urges Southeast Asian nations to strengthen their maritime forces to counter China's actions in the South China Sea. Speaking on Saturday, Hegseth highlights recent incidents like vessel ramming and water cannon use. The South China Sea is a volatile area with multiple territorial claims. Hegseth criticizes China's declaration of Scarborough Shoal as a "nature reserve," calling it coercive. He emphasizes the need for joint surveillance and rapid-response tools. China rejects U.S. criticism, accusing Washington of interference. Chinese officials call the Philippines a "troublemaker" after recent military drills with allies.
