Hegseth proposes new U.S.-Asean defence framework

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth proposed a new U.S.-Asean defence framework during remarks at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers' Meeting in Cebu province, Philippines. He said it would guide cooperation in the years ahead but gave few details. Analysts questioned whether Asean members would favor a bloc-wide plan over bilateral arrangements that preserve flexibility.