The United States has proposed developing a new defense cooperation framework with ASEAN, as defense ministers from Southeast Asia and key international partners gathered in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in the Philippines.
The annual security forum is being held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on October 28-29 under the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship of ASEAN.
The meeting brings together defense ministers from ASEAN member states and eight key dialogue partners under the ADMM-Plus framework, including Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States.
US Pushes for Long-Term Security Partnership
Speaking at the meeting, Pete Hegseth, the US Defense Secretary, proposed the creation of a comprehensive US-ASEAN defense cooperation framework designed to guide collaboration over the coming years.
“We propose that we work together to develop a US-ASEAN framework for defense cooperation, a practical framework that guides our cooperation over the next several years,” Hegseth said.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the years ahead, noting that regional security challenges require closer cooperation between ASEAN and the United States.
Focus on Maritime Security and Military Cooperation
According to Hegseth, the proposed framework would focus on several priority areas, including:
Maritime domain awareness
Naval cooperation
Improving military interoperability
Regional security coordination
Work on the initiative is expected to begin next year when Singapore assumes the ASEAN chairmanship.
Hegseth said Washington is ready to begin discussions with Chan Chun Sing, Singapore’s defense minister, and his team on shaping the framework.
Philippines Backs Continued US Presence
The meeting was chaired by Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the Philippines’ Defense Secretary, who stressed the importance of continued American engagement in the region.
Teodoro said a strong US presence remains an important factor in maintaining regional stability amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The United States currently maintains various forms of defense cooperation with nearly all ASEAN members and has a longstanding mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.
Growing Strategic Importance of Southeast Asia
The proposal comes amid increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region, where issues such as maritime security, freedom of navigation, military modernization, and regional stability continue to shape defense discussions.
Analysts say a formal US-ASEAN defense cooperation framework could strengthen coordination among regional partners while providing a structured mechanism for future security engagement.
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