Hegseth pitches US-Asean defence framework but will it be a hard sell?
Analysts say Asean members are likely to prefer bilateral pacts that preserve their flexibility as they navigate ties with the US and China
The proposal faces questions over whether members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will embrace a bloc-wide initiative, with analysts suggesting they would prefer bilateral arrangements that preserve their flexibility as they navigate ties with Washington and Beijing.
Speaking at the opening of the US-Asean Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Cebu, Hegseth said Washington wanted to build on the region’s “pragmatism, openness to dialogue, respect for counterparts, and proud nationalism”, noting that 2027 would mark the 50th anniversary of relations between Southeast Asia and the US.
