Hegseth to visit Philippines, tighten Indo-Pacific ties ahead of Trump-Xi meeting

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Philippines this week to meet regional allies, part of Washington's push to strengthen Indo-Pacific security ties ahead of an expected Trump-Xi meeting in southern China. The visit signals continued US focus on the region despite ongoing conflict with Iran, which has drawn criticism of Hegseth's handling. The trip underscores US commitment to allies in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China.

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