US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with defense leaders from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines on Wednesday to enhance defense cooperation across the Pacific Ocean’s First Island Chain. The discussions centered on military readiness and deterrence strategies.
“Deterrence is built on real capability and ready partnerships,” Hegseth stated on the social media platform X, describing the meeting as “productive.” He emphasized the shift towards tangible cooperation aimed at strengthening readiness, stating, “We are moving beyond words to practical cooperation along the First Island Chain—bolstering readiness to ensure peace through strength.”
Additionally, Hegseth proposed an “ambitious” defense cooperation framework between the United States and the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He suggested a practical mechanism to guide collaboration over the next few years during a joint meeting with ASEAN defense chiefs in Cebu City, where the Philippines currently holds the chair.
In his address, Hegseth reassured US allies in the broader Asia-Pacific region, characterizing them as “nations capable of defending their own sovereignty and contributing to the favorable balance of power that benefits us all.” He outlined the US approach as “strong, quiet, and clear,” designed to deter aggression while minimizing unnecessary escalation of tensions. “Our actions will speak for themselves,” he added, ensuring that both allies and potential adversaries understand the US commitment to defense.
The meetings in Cebu City coincided with the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting and the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, which includes defense chiefs from regional partners, though China did not send its defense minister this year.
Earlier in the day, Hegseth engaged in bilateral discussions with his counterparts from several countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Vietnam, and Australia, furthering the dialogues on security and cooperation across the region.
