Hegseth proposes an 'ambitious' US-ASEAN defence framework at a Philippine summit

Speaking in Cebu on Wednesday, the US defence secretary proposed a framework to guide cooperation over the next several years. He gave no details.

He also called for stronger maritime awareness and naval cooperation, saying such steps help "prevent conflict." The US says it wants a "free and open Indo-Pacific" as China flexes its muscle in the region.

Background

China's military and coast guard presence in contested parts of the South China Sea nearly doubled in September, Manila said this month.