Cebu City:US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has proposed the development of an "ambitious" defense cooperation framework with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking at a joint meeting with ASEAN defense chiefs in Cebu City, the Philippines, Hegseth emphasized the significance of the upcoming 50th anniversary of US-ASEAN ties as an important milestone for enhancing defense collaboration.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Hegseth suggested that the US and ASEAN work together to create a practical framework to guide their defense cooperation over the next several years. He highlighted the importance of the coming years and described the US approach as "strong, quiet, and clear," aiming to deter coercion and aggression without escalating tensions or engaging in public theatrics.

Hegseth acknowledged that while the US and ASEAN might not agree on every issue, reaching an understanding on fundamental principles would suffice to support practical cooperation in areas where their shared interests align. He also mentioned that the US plans to collaborate with Singapore, which will chair ASEAN next year, to advance the proposed framework for defense cooperation.

The meetings in Cebu City marked the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus. These gatherings also involve defense chiefs from countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and India. However, China's Defense Minister was notably absent, with Beijing instead sending its military attache from the Chinese Embassy in Manila to represent the country at the summit.