Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to the Philippines this week to reassure Southeast Asian allies that the United States remains fully committed to the Indo-Pacific, unveiling a new defense framework designed to guide cooperation over the next several years.
Speaking at the start of the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers' meeting in Cebu, Hegseth described the Trump administration's approach to the region as "strong, quiet and clear," emphasizing that Washington is prepared to defend its own interests and those of its allies and partners.
"That is, by definition, peace through strength. And we're ready and willing to work with all of you where you are based on your own circumstances and your own priorities and shared mutual interest thereafter," Hegseth said.
The Pentagon chief's visit comes as Indo-Pacific allies closely watch the U.S. commitment to the region, particularly in light of the prolonged U.S. military campaign against Iran, which has now lasted more than seven months. Hegseth's remarks were aimed at easing concerns that Washington's attention might be diverted elsewhere.
Hegseth stressed that deeper cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners would enhance interoperability, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and improve coordination between U.S. and allied navies. "Serious partners train together, learn together, plan together and build the confidence and competence necessary to prevent conflict," he said, acknowledging that the group holds diverse viewpoints.
"We're not going to agree on everything, nor do we need to," Hegseth continued. "But an agreement on the fundamentals is enough to support practical cooperation where our shared interests are overlapping and are clear, and that's the type of cooperation the Department of War will continue to pursue with our ASEAN partners."
While Hegseth did not provide extensive details about the new defense framework, he indicated it would shape collaboration in the coming years. He also noted that the U.S. is ready to work with Singapore, which is set to assume the chairmanship of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) next year.
The administration's assurances carry particular weight for the Philippines, which has seen rising tensions with China over maritime and territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait. Both nations have increasingly used aircraft and vessels to assert their claims.
Gregory B. Poling, who leads the Southeast Asia Program and the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Hegseth's comments would likely be "well received" in the region. "In many ways, showing up at the ADMM-Plus meeting and not saying anything overly concerning counts for a lot at the moment," Poling told The Hill.
Poling added that the Philippines might have hoped for stronger language on the South China Sea or the Mutual Defense Treaty, but that such statements could still come. As for the U.S.-ASEAN framework, Poling described it as "floating a trial balloon more than a fully-fleshed-out proposal," and noted that more clarity may emerge during Singapore's ASEAN chairmanship next year.
The trip underscores the administration's broader effort to reaffirm its role as a "proud Pacific nation" and to counter perceptions of waning U.S. influence in the region. The Pentagon's recent decisions on military operations have drawn scrutiny, but Hegseth's outreach signals a continued focus on traditional alliances.
Political observers note that Hegseth's engagement with ASEAN comes as lawmakers debate his leadership and the administration's defense priorities. The looming post-election showdown over Pentagon funding and the Iran war adds another layer of complexity to U.S. commitments abroad.
For now, Southeast Asian allies appear cautiously optimistic, but they will be watching closely for concrete follow-through on the framework Hegseth outlined.
