The United States is strengthening its defense cooperation with Southeast Asia to counterbalance the increasing influence of communist China in the Indo–Pacific. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin introduced a new Defense Vision Statement for a Prosperous and Secure Southeast Asia during the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. This blueprint focuses on enhancing regional collaboration in air, maritime, cyber, and information security to address challenges from illegal intrusions and coercion, reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo–Pacific through partnerships with ASEAN nations.
Although China was not explicitly mentioned, the initiatives outlined in the Defense Vision Statement demonstrate U.S. efforts to counter Beijing’s expanding influence in the region. The plan emphasizes increasing domain awareness, strengthening maritime and air security, and enhancing regional military cooperation to address challenges posed by China’s assertive actions.
Key initiatives include improving sovereign airspace monitoring, enhancing maritime domain awareness through commercial technology, and strengthening cybersecurity through collaborations with ASEAN’s Cybersecurity Information Center of Excellence. The blueprint also highlights multilateral military exercises and educational programs to train the next generation of defense leaders.
The Defense Vision Statement underscores the long-standing U.S.–ASEAN partnership, which has included over $17 billion in foreign military sales, joint exercises, and educational initiatives. It prioritizes the continuation and expansion of joint military exercises, including future maritime exercises, to foster regional security and interoperability among Indo–Pacific allies.
During his Southeast Asia tour, Austin met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to discuss defense cooperation, regional security, and challenges in the South China Sea. Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights against Chinese harassment and emphasized the critical role of the U.S.–Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (1951). The U.S. military supports Philippine operations in the South China Sea through Task Force-Ayungin, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime domain awareness.
The visit resulted in the signing of a General Security of Military Information Agreement to enhance intelligence sharing and the establishment of a Combined Coordination Center for joint operations. The U.S. also committed to enhancing the Philippines’ defense capabilities with innovative technologies, including unmanned surface vessels, to improve maritime domain awareness and operational readiness.
While Vietnam was not on Austin’s itinerary, his meeting with Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang at the Pentagon highlighted the significance of the U.S.–Vietnam defense relationship, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. The recent delivery of U.S.-made T-6C trainer aircraft to Vietnam reflects the deepening partnership between the two nations and aims to enhance Vietnam’s defense capabilities.
As Vietnam diversifies its defense procurement away from Russian arms, it is strengthening ties with the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Europe to modernize its military. Vietnam’s refusal to purchase Chinese weapons aligns its defense strategy with ASEAN nations and the United States, especially in light of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun’s absence from the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, reportedly due to an anti-corruption investigation within China’s military, underscores the challenges facing China’s military leadership. The Chinese regime’s aggressive actions in the Indo–Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea, have led many ASEAN members to deepen their partnerships with the U.S. to counter these threats. The failure of Dong to attend the recent ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Laos further highlights the growing divide between China and its neighboring countries.
Opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and may not align with the perspectives of The Epoch Times.
