ASEAN MINISTERS HOLD ANNUAL MEETING IN PHILIPPINES-With to be discussions led by Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
ASEAN defence ministers began their annual meeting in the Philippine province of Cebu today with discussions led by Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expected to focus on regional security cooperation amid questions over Washington’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific as the Iran war strains US military readiness.
U.S Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is attending the gathering, where Southeast Asian counterparts are likely to seek clarity on US priorities and the implications of the conflict for its regional security commitments. China said on Tuesday it was sending its defence attaché at the Chinese embassy to the Philippines to the meeting.
Southeast Asian economies are reportedly dealing with the effects of the Iran conflict, as the Iran war has reportedly disrupted shipping and oil markets, exposing Southeast Asia’s vulnerability to imported-fuel shocks and pushing energy security higher on ASEAN’s agenda
