Key facts
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proposed closer naval ties and maritime security cooperation.
- The proposal was presented at a gathering of Asean defense ministers and other regional powers in the Philippines.
- Skepticism exists among Southeast Asian nations regarding the US commitment and strategy.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has proposed a new defense framework to enhance naval ties and maritime security cooperation with Southeast Asian nations. The initiative was presented during a meeting in the Philippines attended by defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and other regional powers. However, the proposal is met with deep skepticism from regional nations concerning the US's commitment and strategic approach.