US Defense Secretary Proposes US-ASEAN Defense Cooperation Framework in Cebu

On October 28 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the assembled defence chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cebu, Philippines, that Washington intends to develop a “US-ASEAN framework for defense cooperation.” The proposal was presented during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, which also includes eight dialogue partners such as Japan, Australia, India and China.

Pentagon chief proposes ‘ambitious’ defense cooperation with ASEAN Hegseth proposes 'ambitious' US-Asean defense framework at Philippine summit Jakarta GlobeTaipei TimesChannel News Asia - CNABloomberg

The meeting occurs as Southeast Asian states grapple with two overlapping pressures. First, the Iran war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, has disrupted global shipping and driven up fuel costs, exposing the region’s vulnerability to imported-fuel shocks. Second, longstanding disputes in the South China Sea have intensified, with the Philippines—an U.S. treaty ally and current ASEAN chair—facing repeated confrontations with China. The United States is marking the 50th anniversary of U.S.–ASEAN relations in 2027, a milestone that Hegseth linked to the proposed framework.

Reuters

• The Pentagon said Hegseth’s agenda includes “strengthening deterrence” and “expanding burden-sharing across the region.”

Hegseth proposes US-ASEAN defence cooperation framework

• Gilberto Teodoro, the Philippines defence secretary, affirmed Manila’s commitment to freedom of navigation and expressed readiness to build on existing cooperation initiatives.

Philippine Star

• Singapore, slated to assume the ADMM-Plus chairmanship in 2027, was identified by U.S. officials as the primary partner for drafting the framework.

Hegseth Seeks ASEAN Defence Framework

• China’s defence attaché attended the meeting, but senior Chinese defence minister Dong Jun was absent, a decision noted by Chinese officials as coinciding with a major Communist Party meeting in Beijing.

Hegseth Seeks ASEAN Defence Framework

• February 28 – Iran war begins with U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Philippine Star

• October 28 2026 – Hegseth proposes the US-ASEAN defence framework at the Cebu meeting (occurred).

Jakarta Globe

• October 29 2026 – Expanded defence ministers’ meeting convenes, bringing together ASEAN’s 11 members and eight partners (scheduled).

China urges against 'hijacking' ASEAN defense chiefs' meeting as Hegseth heads to Philippines

• 2027 – Planned 50th anniversary of U.S.–ASEAN relations; Singapore assumes ADMM-Plus chairmanship.

US proposes defense cooperation framework with ASEAN

• “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,” — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary

Taipei Times

• “We will defend our interests and the interests of our allies and partners. That is, by definition, peace through strength,” — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary

Reuters

• “The approach we're taking we describe 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,” — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary

Pentagon chief proposes ‘ambitious’ defense cooperation with ASEAN

• “For the Philippines, the whole ASEAN chair year has been a difficult balance,” — Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative

Reuters

• “But an agreement on the fundamentals is enough to support practical cooperation where our shared interests are overlapping and are clear.” — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary

Pentagon chief proposes ‘ambitious’ defense cooperation with ASEAN