U.S. Pacific commander warns against coercion, vows no Indo-Pacific domination

Admiral Samuel Paparo told a security conference in Malaysia that the United States will oppose any nation’s attempt to dominate the Indo-Pacific, citing coercive actions by China and others.

At a security conference in Kuala Lumpur organized by U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo warned that coercive tactics by China and other regional players are eroding stability in the Indo-Pacific. He argued that false claims of legitimacy are being used to turn law into a weapon of power, a trend he described as a defining fault line of the era. Paparo affirmed that the United States will counter any attempt at regional domination through a posture of strength, while avoiding direct confrontation, and will uphold freedom of the seas, maritime security, and open commerce.

The comments coincided with heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has reported Chinese vessels conducting water-cannon attacks and blocking resupply missions. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro echoed the concern, pointing to China’s broader military activities, including a recent ballistic missile launch. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn noted that talks on a South China Sea code of conduct with China have accelerated, with expectations of completion within the year.