US-ASEAN defense framework pushed

CEBU, Philippines — United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has proposed a US-ASEAN framework for defense cooperation to guide security partnerships between Washington and Southeast Asian nations in the coming years.

Speaking during the ASEAN-United States Defense Ministers Informal Meeting in Cebu on Wednesday, Hegseth said the proposed framework would build on existing cooperation and provide practical direction for future engagements.

“Next year marks the 50th anniversary formally of US-ASEAN relations, an important milestone,” Hegseth said.

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

Hegseth said Washington was ready to begin developing the proposal with Singapore, which is scheduled to assume the chairmanship of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in 2027.

He described the Trump administration’s approach to regional security as “strong, quiet, and clear,” emphasizing deterrence, restraint and clarity in the United States’ commitments to its allies and partners.

He said the approach aims to deter coercion and aggression while avoiding unnecessary escalation, adding that Washington would defend its interests and those of its allies and partners.

Hegseth also called for stronger practical cooperation with ASEAN countries in maritime domain awareness, military interoperability and naval cooperation.

“Serious partners train together, learn together, plan together, and build the confidence and competence necessary to prevent conflict,” he said.

He cited ASEAN’s role in efforts to sustain the ceasefire along the Thailand-Cambodia border, saying the United States was willing to continue supporting the ASEAN-led initiative.

Hegseth said Washington’s approach reflected ASEAN’s pragmatism, openness to dialogue and respect for its counterparts. He added that countries did not need to agree on every issue to pursue cooperation where their interests overlapped.

He also described the United States as a Pacific nation committed to working with ASEAN partners to promote peace, prosperity and sovereignty.

Philippines seeks stronger defense ties

Meanwhile, the Philippines is seeking to strengthen defense cooperation with the United States and other ASEAN partners, particularly in maritime security, military medicine, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as regional defense ministers gather in Cebu.

In his opening remarks during the meeting, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed Hegseth and his delegation, noting that the gathering coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States.

Teodoro said the Philippines values Washington’s sustained engagement with ASEAN defense establishments, stressing that a strong US presence is necessary to maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

He also welcomed US support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

The Philippines, he said, appreciates Washington’s contributions to maritime cooperation, including the second ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise held in Indonesia in December last year, in which the Philippine Navy participated.

Teodoro also cited US support for the Philippines and Japan as co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security, as well as the participation of US naval and air force personnel in a joint cooperative activity hosted in Subic last month.

“These initiatives offer meaningful opportunities to strengthen our maritime partnerships and people-to-people ties in support of peace and stability in Southeast Asia and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Teodoro said.

He stressed that freedom of navigation remains essential to the security, prosperity and resilience of the region’s peoples.

Teodoro also acknowledged the leadership of the United States and Indonesia in co-chairing the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Military Medicine for the 2024-2027 cycle.

He said Filipino military personnel who participated in Exercise Trident Resolve in Indonesia last month had opportunities to strengthen practical cooperation with ADMM-Plus partners in military medicine, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The meeting, Teodoro said, provides an opportunity for participating countries to assess progress and exchange views on challenges and opportunities in the regional security environment.

He urged delegates to engage in open and candid discussions to build collective trust, strengthen results-based partnerships and advance regional security cooperation. — /FPL (FREEMAN)