WorldReutersHegseth likely to face questions on US role in Indo-Pacific at ASEAN summit
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is meeting Southeast Asian counterparts in the Philippines, where allies are expected to press him on America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific amid the Iran war.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is likely to face questions about Washington’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region when he meets Southeast Asian counterparts in the Philippines on Wednesday.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth attended an ASEAN defence gathering in the Philippines to reaffirm Washington's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The Iran war, launched by US and Israeli strikes on February 28, has strained US military readiness and disrupted shipping and oil markets across Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asian nations are expected to push Hegseth for clarity on the Iran endgame and how US commitments to the Pacific hold up under the pressure of that conflict.
The Iran war has disrupted shipping and oil markets across Southeast Asia, pushing energy security higher on the ASEAN agenda at this week's summit.
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