US Defense Secretary Urges ASEAN Defense Cooperation as Counterweight to China

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at an ASEAN defense chiefs' meeting in Cebu, Philippines, called for building a foundation for military cooperation to counterbalance China's growing influence. This marks a continued US push to strengthen regional alliances amid Beijing's military expansion. The proposal's reception among ASEAN members remains uncertain, given their diverse security ties with China.

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