U.S. Defense Secretary Visits Asia, Pledges Support

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth has embarked on his first official trip to Asia, aiming to reassure allies and reinforce security partnerships in the region. His initial stop was in the Philippines, where he met with defense officials and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to deterring perceived threats from China.

Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong security presence to ensure stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. He pledged to enhance military cooperation and provide support to the Philippines in modernizing its defense capabilities.

Following his visit to the Philippines, Secretary Hegseth will travel to Japan. Discussions in Japan are expected to center on strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and addressing shared security concerns, including North Korea's nuclear program and China's growing military power. The trip underscores the U.S.'s ongoing efforts to maintain its influence and presence in the Indo-Pacific region.