US’ Hegseth proposes US-ASEAN defense framework

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth yesterday proposed the creation of an “ambitious” new US-ASEAN defense framework, telling the bloc’s leaders that it could help them navigate “critically important” years ahead.

Hegseth told ASEAN defense officials in Cebu, Philippines, that he valued the region’s “pragmatism” and “proud nationalism.”

“We’re not going to agree on everything, nor do we need to,” he said, calling for cooperation where shared interests overlap.

From left, Philippine Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Australian Minister of Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attend events on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting in Cebu, Philippines, yesterday.

Photo: Reuters

“As we look to the future in this region, I’d like us to be even more ambitious ... we propose that we work together to develop a US-ASEAN Framework for Defense Cooperation,” Hegseth said.

“A practical framework that guides our cooperation over the next several years,” he said. “I will note a critically important next several years.”

He said that the US is ready to begin the project, with Singapore to assume the chair of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus in the coming year.

The grouping includes the bloc’s 11 member states and representatives from the US, Japan, China, Australia and others.

Hegseth also called for the strengthening of “maritime domain awareness” and advanced cooperation among naval forces.

“These are not symbolic things; they are concrete demonstrations of what serious partners do, serious partners train together, learn together, plan together, and build the confidence and competence necessary to prevent conflict,” he said.