ASEAN defence ministers Cebu meeting

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to face questions about Washington's long-term security commitments to the Indo-Pacific during the ASEAN defence ministers' meeting in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28–29, 2026. The gathering comes as the US-Israel war against Iran strains American military resources, while growing tensions between China and the Philippines raise concerns about regional stability. Pete Hegseth Faces Questions Over US Indo-Pacific Strategy The Pentagon said Hegseth's participation would reaffirm Washington's commitment to maintaining peace and security through military strength. However, regional security experts expect Southeast Asian governments to seek assurances that American military commitments will remain intact despite the continuing conflict with Iran. The war, which began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28, has disrupted oil markets and international shipping, increasing energy costs for import-dependent Asian economies. China-Philippines Tensions Dominate ASEAN Defence Talks The meeting takes place amid worsening relations between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Philippine military recently monitored China's Liaoning aircraft carrier group as it passed through waters near the southern Philippines towards the Celebes Sea. China has confirmed that its defence attaché in the Philippines will attend the gathering. The Philippines, a US treaty ally, is seeking stronger regional security cooperation while managing its diplomatic differences with Beijing. US, Japan and Australia to Hold Security Discussions Hegseth is also scheduled to meet defence counterparts from Japan, Australia and the Philippines under the four-country security grouping known as the Squad. Discussions are expected to cover maritime security, regional deterrence and defence cooperation. Analysts believe ASEAN members may reach agreements on practical security initiatives but remain divided over sensitive territorial disputes. The meeting will provide an opportunity for Washington to address concerns about balancing its military commitments in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Hegseth Faces US Indo-Pacific Questions at ASEAN

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