Seoul: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the need Friday for the United States to work together with South Korea, Japan, and other allies "shoulder to shoulder" to establish deterrence needed to prevent war, as he said America seeks to ensure a "free" 21st century.According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth made the remarks during a joint press conference with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro in Manila. The Pentagon chief is on his first multi-nation trip to the Indo-Pacific since taking office in January. He emphasized that the Trump administration intends to prioritize and shift focus to this region to match future threats, with a commitment to standing alongside allies and partners.Hegseth highlighted the importance of establishing deterrence in collaboration with countries like the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. He noted that the administration is addressing "many years of deferred maintenance and of weakness," in a critique of the previous Biden ad ministration, by working to reestablish strength globally.The secretary reiterated President Donald Trump's philosophy of "peace through strength," expressing that while the U.S. does not seek war, preparation for potential conflict is necessary to maintain peace, thus necessitating unity with allies.Hegseth's visit to Asia did not include a stop in South Korea, raising concerns about the potential impact of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on bilateral security coordination. Despite these concerns, Washington continues to affirm its "ironclad" commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance.