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US Defense Chief Hegseth pledges to counter ‘China’s aggression’ during first Asia tour.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during his first Asia visit, reaffirmed America’s commitment to countering China’s aggression by strengthening military ties with the Philippines. He announced plans to deploy advanced military capabilities, enhance joint training, and boost defense cooperation. China criticized the move, accusing the US of destabilizing the region. Hegseth defended the Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy, emphasizing deterrence efforts against Chinese expansion in the South China Sea.
During his first visit to Asia, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s commitment to countering China’s aggression, particularly through strengthening military ties with the Philippines. Speaking at a joint press conference in Manila with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Hegseth emphasized the “ironclad alliance” between the two nations amid China’s assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.
US-Philippines Defense Cooperation
Hegseth announced that the US will deploy additional advanced military capabilities, enhance joint training operations, and prioritize defense industrial collaboration with the Philippines. He stressed that the Trump administration is committed to deterrence strategies to ensure a free and secure 21st century in the region.
The Philippines remains on the front lines of China’s aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea, where Beijing has continued military expansion despite an international ruling rejecting its territorial claims.
Regional Reactions & US Strategy
The Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the US for allegedly undermining regional peace, warning that military provocations could escalate tensions. Beijing dismissed the notion of threats to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and advised the Philippines not to rely on US military support.
Hegseth also addressed questions about the Trump administration’s approach to the South China Sea, contrasting it with Biden’s strategy, which he described as “years of weakness”. He asserted that US Indo-Pacific Command would implement "real war plans” to pressure China into reconsidering military actions in the region.
Despite ongoing controversy over Hegseth’s handling of classified military information, his pledge to reinforce alliances with Asian partners like the Philippines and Japan has been welcomed as part of Washington’s strategic shift toward the Indo-Pacific.
Source:https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/27/asia/pete-hegseth-asia-tour-philippines-marcos-intl-hnk/index.html
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