Pentagon chief Hegseth to visit Philippines to meet US allies at Asean events

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is set to visit the Philippines this week, meeting with US allies at various Asean events, according to the Pentagon. The trip occurs amidst efforts by Washington to strengthen security ties in the Indo-Pacific region, with a key meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expected in southern China.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has faced criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans over his management of the Iran war and doubts that the conflict might divert US attention from the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines is currently hosting the annual Asean summit in Manila, with defense ministers planning to meet US partners in Cebu at the end of the month.

The visit aims to "reaffirm America's commitment to peace through strength in the Pacific" and "strengthen deterrence, advance key alliances and partnerships, and expand burden sharing across the region." Last week, the South China Morning Post revealed that US allies were planning to meet informally during the Asean summit in Manila.

Hegseth's visit precedes Trump's anticipated China visit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he is expected to meet with Xi Jinping for the third time this year. The tension over competing claims in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing has led to several confrontations, causing Manila to strengthen its relations with the US and other allies.

The Pentagon also confirmed that the Quad, a grouping including India but not the Philippines, would meet on the sidelines of the Asean summit in Cebu.