The 10-nation bloc, known as ASEAN, has been useful for the United States in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Many member nations have territorial disputes with China, which has become increasingly assertive in pressing those claims.

Democrats of the Senate Armed Services Committee called Peter Hegseth, president-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, unfit to serve. Meanwhile, Republicans praised Mr. Hegseth’s record and performance.

Va., questioned defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth on sexual assaults leveled against him and his failure to disclose the allegation to the Trump transition team, as well as accusations of drinking on the job.

Pete Hegseth faced an important test on Tuesday — but he didn't just have to prove himself to the senators who immediately began sparring over his nomination as defense secretary

GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, a key vote on Pete Hegseth's confirmation as secretary of defense, said Tuesday she is supporting his nomination.

Senate Democrats grilled Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's pick for defense secretary, about allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking and his comments about women in combat. Hegseth said the allegations were part of a smear campaign in the media against him.