A warning to China? Trump's war chief pitches stronger US–ASEAN naval cooperation

U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined Donald Trump’s “peace through strength” vision at an ASEAN defence meeting in Cebu, Philippines, on October 29. Calling Washington’s approach “strong, quiet and clear”, he stressed maritime cooperation, military interoperability and support for allies and partners. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro highlighted freedom of navigation and sustained American engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Hegseth also proposed a U.S.–ASEAN defence cooperation framework ahead of the fiftieth anniversary of relations in 2027. Watch their full remarks.