Hegseth likely to face questions on US role in Indo-Pacific at ASEAN summit in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines – US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is likely to face questions about Washington’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region when he meets Southeast Asian counterparts in the Philippines on Wednesday, October 28. As the Iran war strains US military readiness and tension rises with China , the Pentagon said Hegseth’s attendance at the gathering in Cebu would reaffirm Washington’s commitment to “peace through strength” in the Pacific. Analysts said Southeast Asian nations could use meetings with Hegseth on the sidelines to seek clarity about the endgame in Iran, US expectations from allies and partners, and how the conflict’s demands square with commitments to the Indo-Pacific. “They will want to seek answers from the United States regarding certainty towards alliances and partnerships,” said Collin Koh, a security scholar at Singapore’s S.

Rajaratnam School of International Studies. “And of course, the bigger elephant in the room is how does that juxtapose with US commitment to the Indo-Pacific or Western Pacific theater. ” Economies grappling with Iran war impact Southeast Asian economies are grappling with the effects of Iran war , while tension between host the Philippines and Beijing add another source of friction to a forum meant to promote dialogue and practical cooperation on security. The Iran war, launched by US and Israeli strikes on February 28, has disrupted shipping and oil markets, exposing Southeast Asia’s vulnerability to imported-fuel shocks and pushing energy security higher on ASEAN’s agenda. Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, said Hegseth would get an opportunity at the gathering to tackle aspects regarding China, the disputed South China Sea and Washington’s commitments to its treaty allies. “Most will…