The United States has proposed a new defense cooperation framework with Southeast Asian nations to strengthen military ties and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth introduced the initiative on Wednesday, October 28, during the ASEAN-United States Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The gathering took place on the sidelines of the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting, with the Philippines serving as the ASEAN chair for 2026.
”Next year marks the 50th anniversary formally of US- ASEAN relations, an important milestone, and 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,” Hegseth said.
Although detailed discussions on the framework are still forthcoming, Hegseth noted that Washington is ready to begin work on the initiative with Singapore, which will succeed the Philippines as the ADMM-Plus chair.
Describing Washington’s regional security approach as grounded in “peace through strength,” Hegseth outlined a posture defined by clarity and restraint.
”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 are 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 stated.
He emphasized that the U.S. intends to collaborate with ASEAN states based on their unique conditions and priorities, identifying maritime domain awareness, enhanced interoperability, and deeper naval cooperation as key areas for practical collaboration.
”These are not symbolic things. They are concrete demonstrations of what serious partners do,” Hegseth noted, explaining that joint exercises and planning will help build the trust needed to prevent conflict.
He also praised ASEAN’s decisive stewardship in upholding the ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border as a successful example of regional unity and teamwork.