Hegseth pitches new US-Asean defence framework, but doubts run deep

Southeast Asian nations are looking to bolster their defense cooperation with the United States, according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. At a meeting of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other regional powers in the Philippines, Hegseth proposed a practical framework for stronger security ties.

However, analysts doubt that such a framework will materialize, given ASEAN's longstanding refusal to take sides and its consensus-based system. Hegseth urged the regional powers to develop a framework that would guide cooperation over the next few years. He described the US approach as "strong, quiet and clear," emphasizing the need for deterrence against coercion and aggression, while avoiding unnecessary escalation.

Hegseth noted that Washington was prepared to work with Singapore, which will chair next year's ASEAN summit. When asked about what ASEAN is doing for the US, Hegseth emphasized that it is not an aid exercise but a mutually beneficial partnership. He highlighted access, basing, and overflight rights as valuable contributions, emphasizing the importance of mutually beneficial exchanges.

However, experts are skeptical about the prospects of this proposal gaining traction within ASEAN. Jennifer Kavanagh, a senior fellow at Defence Priorities, stated that it is unlikely to be accepted by ASEAN, which has always balanced between the US and China. Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, pointed out the challenges of coordinating defense cooperation among ASEAN's 11 member states with different threat perceptions, national interests, and defence capabilities.

Alternative areas for cooperation, such as information-sharing mechanisms and military interoperability, might be more feasible at the member state level.