US defence secretary pledges stronger ties with ASEAN to prevent war

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth pledges to foster stronger ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), calling them "serious partners" as Southeast Asian defence ministers met in the Philippines for annual talks to prioritise regional deterrence and avert major conflicts amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Hegseth stated Washington envisioned a stable, secure and prosperous Pacific and pledged the US would defend its interests alongside its allies.

Addressing delegates in Cebu, Hegseth emphasised continued naval cooperation and stronger "maritime domain awareness" were essential to preventing conflict.

The closed-door meetings brought together officials from the 11-nation bloc currently led by the Philippines.