U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles met in the Philippines to discuss initiatives to strengthen defense cooperation and the U.S.-Australia alliance. Bloomberg reported they agreed to “swiftly execute” collaboration, including a stronger force posture, amid growing Chinese military power in the region.
WHO:U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles
WHAT:Hegseth and Marles met and discussed strengthening defense cooperation and the U.S.-Australia alliance.
WHEN:Reported Oct 27, 2026 at 10:43 PM ET
WHERE:Philippines
WHY:They discussed initiatives to strengthen defense cooperation and the U.S.-Australia alliance.
How this story developed (showing 2 of 2 earlier reports)
