Cebu City:US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for an ambitious framework for defense cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking at a joint meeting with defense chiefs of the 11-member bloc in Cebu City, the Philippines, Hegseth emphasized the importance of developing a US-ASEAN framework to guide defense cooperation over the coming years.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hegseth highlighted the upcoming 50th anniversary of US-ASEAN ties as a significant milestone, proposing the development of a practical framework to enhance cooperation. He described the approach as "strong, quiet, and clear," aiming to deter coercion and aggression while avoiding unnecessary escalation.

The meeting, which marked the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, was notable for the absence of China's defense minister. Instead, China was represented by its military attache from the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Hegseth expressed a willingness to work with Singapore, which will chair ASEAN next year, to advance the proposed framework. He noted that while complete agreement on all points is not necessary, a consensus on fundamental principles is crucial for practical cooperation in areas of shared interest.