The Philippines place alliance with the USA at the center of the ASEAN agenda

The Philippine government emphasizes strengthening its alliance with the United States ahead of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting. Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong highlighted the U.S. as a key partner in modernizing the Philippine Armed Forces. The meeting, taking place in Cebu from October 28-29, will include major dialogue partners like the U.S., Japan, and India, while China's participation remains uncertain. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aims to reaffirm U.S. commitment to peace in the Pacific. Discussions will cover maritime security, disaster response, and counter-terrorism, among other topics, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN Treaty.