US defense chief says Washington pursuing defense cooperation framework with ASEAN, ready to support allies

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday (local time) that the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are working to build a defense cooperation framework.

Hegseth made the remarks during a meeting with ASEAN defense ministers in Cebu, Philippines, where he arrived to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus, scheduled for Thursday.

Hegseth said the United States is prepared to support its Asia-Pacific allies "based on overlapping and clear common interests."

Washington is also willing and ready to work with individual ASEAN member states in ways that take into account each country's own circumstances and priorities, Hegseth added.