US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday proposed the establishment of a new defense framework between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aiming to strengthen regional security cooperation in the coming years. Hegseth outlined the proposal during a meeting with defense officials from ASEAN member states held in Cebu, Philippines.

The proposed US-ASEAN Framework for Defence Cooperation is intended to provide a structured approach to enhance collaboration on shared security interests amid a dynamic regional landscape. While Hegseth did not provide specific details about the framework, he emphasized the importance of pragmatic engagement and acknowledged that differences among the parties are expected. “We’re not going to agree on everything, nor do we need to,” he said, underscoring the need for cooperation where interests align.

The United States has been actively seeking to deepen its defense partnerships in Southeast Asia as part of a broader strategy to maintain what it calls a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” In his remarks, Hegseth praised the region’s “pragmatism” and “proud nationalism,” highlighting ASEAN’s pivotal role in regional stability.

Hegseth noted that the coming years would be “critically important” for the region and called for an ambitious approach to collective defense cooperation. The initiative is expected to take shape as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in the next year, signaling closer alignment between the United States and ASEAN member states on security matters.

The proposal reflects ongoing US efforts to engage ASEAN countries amid increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific, seeking to build resilient partnerships without insisting on full alignment on every issue. The framework aims to guide cooperative efforts over several years, contributing to regional security amid evolving challenges.