At the Munich Security Conference, Kao Kim Hourn, secretary general of Asean, called the rising mistrust among major powers the main danger to maritime security in Southeast Asia. China claims most islands and rocks in the South China Sea, stirring up disputes with Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei. Tensions between China and the Philippines have gotten worse, sometimes leading to clashes. To challenge China's claims, the US has increased defense cooperation with the Philippines and regularly conducts naval operations in the region, keeping a strong military presence. Kao said, “Overall the main threat would be the increasing strategic mistrust between and among the major powers.” Smaller countries in the area risk becoming pawns in this bigger geopolitical struggle.