U.S. pursues new defense cooperation framework

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday proposed a new defense cooperation framework with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to guide security partnerships over the next several years, as Washington seeks to deepen military ties in the region.

Speaking at the ASEAN Defense Ministers Informal Meeting with the United States, Hegseth said the framework would be timed with the 50th anniversary of US-ASEAN relations in 2027.

“In recognition of this milestone, we propose that we work together to develop a US-ASEAN framework for defense cooperation, a practical framework that will guide our cooperation over the next several years,” he said.

He said Washington was prepared to begin discussions with Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing and his team as Singapore prepares to assume the chairmanship of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

Quiet but strong thrust

Hegseth also outlined Washington’s approach to regional security, describing it as “strong, quiet and clear.”

“Strong enough to deter coercion and aggression, quiet enough to avoid needless escalation or public theatrics and to let our actions speak for themselves, but clear enough that our friends, our partners, and potential adversaries understand precisely where the United States stands and that we will defend our interests and the interests of our allies and partners,” he said.

The Pentagon chief said the approach reflected ASEAN’s emphasis on pragmatism, dialogue, mutual respect and national sovereignty.

He acknowledged that Washington and ASEAN countries would not always agree on every issue but he said their shared interests could provide a foundation for practical defense cooperation.

Hegseth also expressed Washington’s commitment to strengthening maritime domain awareness, improving military interoperability, and expanding cooperation among regional navies.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., for his part, emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation to regional security and economic prosperity.

He said the Philippines hopes to build on existing defense cooperation initiatives in the coming years.

“In this way, we can create more purposive outcomes, strengthen results-based partnerships, and build a safer and more prosperous future for our peoples and generations yet to come,” Teodoro said.

The 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting and 13th ADMM-Plus will conclude on Thursday, 29 October, with the Philippines handing over the chairmanship to Singapore.