Asia & Pacific

Hegseth Assures Indo-Pacific Allies, Including Australia, of US Backing

In a brief visit to the region, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has promised The Trump administration would ’truly prioritise and shift to this region.’
Hegseth Assures Indo-Pacific Allies, Including Australia, of US Backing
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (L) and Philippines' Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro hold a joint press conference after their meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila on March 28, 2025. TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images
Rex Widerstrom
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Remarks by United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicate that, while the Pentagon may be withdrawing support for European allies, it remains firmly committed to those in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia.

Speaking at a press conference in Manila on March 28, he promised that the Trump administration would “truly prioritise and shift to this region of the world in a way that is unprecedented.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.