The U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, and Malaysia's Minister of Defense, Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, met on October 30, 2025, during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to discuss ongoing bilateral defense relations.
Secretary Hegseth expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s role as Chair of ASEAN and its efforts in supporting President Trump’s mediation of a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. Minister Khaled welcomed the United States' commitment to supporting observer teams made up of ASEAN security forces.
During their meeting, both leaders highlighted the importance of defense cooperation as a key part of the U.S.-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, marking more than four decades of collaboration. The two countries also renewed their Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement and pledged to complete further agreements covering communications, information sharing, and geospatial issues. They agreed on the need to address new challenges such as cybersecurity threats, maritime security concerns, terrorism, and violent extremism.
Both officials emphasized their dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the region through continued joint efforts. “The South China Sea is a vital maritime corridor linking the region with the rest of the world, where respect for sovereignty is imperative,” they stated. Both leaders reaffirmed support for maritime security in this area. Minister Khaled pointed out that certain grey-zone tactics—including hydrographic research conducted under foreign coast guard protection—pose threats to sovereignty and act as provocations.
The discussions included recognition of regular joint training activities between U.S. and Malaysian armed forces. This partnership features 14 annual bilateral and multilateral exercises such as recent joint long-range precision live fire drills involving U.S. HIMARS and Malaysian ASTROS systems in the Straits of Malacca. Around 300 Malaysian officials participate each year in military training programs in the United States; other engagement includes ship visits as well as recurring events like Malaysia-U.S. Strategic Talks and meetings within the Bilateral Training and Consultative Group.
Both leaders plan to meet again next year at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.