Washington DC, March 24 -- US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth departed on Sunday (local time) for his first Indo-Pacific in his current role, with stops in Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, and Japan.

Hegseth said that the Indo-Pacific is a priority theatre for the US.

In a post on X, he said, "Wheels up from Washington DC--out to the US Indo-Pacific Command AO for the first time as Secretary of Defence. The Indo-Pacific is our priority theater, and we're strengthening our deterrence, readiness, and alliances. We will lead with strength, resolve, and purpose."

https://x.com/SecDef/status/1904147958645268626

As per a statement by the US Department of Defence, Hegseth during his visit will meet senior US military and civilian leadership and ...