rki.news | Source: Anadolu
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held talks with counterparts from India, Australia, Japan and South Korea during a regional security meeting in Cebu City, Philippines.
The city is hosting the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting, bringing together defense chiefs from the 11-member bloc and partner nations.
During talks with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, both sides reviewed operational coordination, information sharing and defense industrial cooperation. They agreed to expand their defense partnership.
Hegseth met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles to discuss bilateral defense cooperation, including investments in Australian air bases and improved joint logistics.
Meeting Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Hegseth reaffirmed the US-Japan alliance’s importance in maintaining regional peace and stability. They discussed enhanced military access, presence, training and exercises.
Hegseth also met South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul, stressing military readiness and coordination to deter aggression.
China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun did not attend the summit. China’s Embassy in Manila was represented by its defense attaché.
US Defense Chief Meets Asian Counterparts at Philippine Summit
