U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented a defense cooperation agenda at a meeting of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held in Cebu province on the Philippines. In his remarks, he emphasized practical engagement between countries in the region and the importance of maintaining stability in Asia. Hegseth stressed the United States' intention to develop cooperation with regional partners on defense and security issues. The ASEAN defense ministers meeting traditionally serves as a platform for discussing regional threats, coordinating military efforts, and strengthening trust between member countries and their external partners, including the United States. The remarks by the American official on the Philippines reflect Washington's continued interest in strengthening its position in Southeast Asia amid growing geopolitical competition in the region. Details of specific initiatives and agreements reached during the meeting have not yet been fully disclosed.