Hegseth proposes 'ambitious' U.S.-ASEAN defence framework at Philippine summit
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proposed a new defense framework to ASEAN leaders during a summit in the Philippines. The initiative aims to strengthen regional partnerships to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China.
Why it matters
The proposal signals a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy to deepen security ties in Southeast Asia to counter Chinese regional influence.
Hegseth proposes 'ambitious' U.S.-ASEAN defence framework at Philippine summit left U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaves after attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Defense Ministers' Meeting in Cebu, central Philippines, Wednesday, October 28, 2026. AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/io9w3y/article71634859.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Philippines_ASEAN_Defense_15713.jpg Aaron Favila U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaves after attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Defense Ministers' Meeting in Cebu, central Philippines, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool) The United States has been seeking to boost its regional defence partnerships in recent years, citing the need to uphold what it terms a "free and open Indo-Pacific" as China has increasingly flexed its muscles in the region Cebu U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proposed the creation of an "ambitious" new U.S.-ASEAN defence framework on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), telling the bloc's leaders it could help them navigate "critically important" years ahead.
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