Hegseth Proposes US-ASEAN Defence Framework — SkimNews
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- Pete Hegseth proposed a new "US-ASEAN Framework for Defence Cooperation" on Wednesday, Oct. 28, before ASEAN defence chiefs in Cebu, calling it a practical guide for the next several years but offering no details.
- ADMM-Plus comprises ASEAN's 11 member states plus representatives from the U.S., Japan, China, Australia and others, and the U.S. is ready to begin framework work when Singapore assumes its chairmanship in the coming year.
- Hegseth called for stronger maritime domain awareness and advanced naval cooperation, saying joint training, learning and planning build the confidence and competence needed to prevent conflict.
- Hegseth praised the region's "pragmatism" and "proud nationalism," saying ASEAN members do not need to agree on everything and should cooperate where their shared interests overlap.
- Shinjiro Koizumi met Hegseth on the sidelines of the Cebu event, and the two discussed implementing an "effective denial defence in the First Island Chain."
- Japan and the U.S. committed to continued "close coordination" on munitions production.
- Philippines said China's military and coast guard presence in disputed South China Sea areas nearly doubled in September.
Why it matters: For ASEAN's 11 member states and the U.S., the immediate change is a proposed multi-year framework, with work ready to begin when Singapore assumes the ADMM-Plus chairmanship in the coming year. The proposal gives naval training, planning and maritime awareness a named channel, alongside the Philippines' report of a near-doubling of Chinese forces in September.
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