Question on ASEAN stumped Hegseth at Senate hearing. What is it and why is it important?

In a heated Senate confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, Sen. Tammy Duckworth grilled the proposed defense secretary over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, asking him if he could name one member and how many countries were in the bloc. Hegseth was stumped, and Duckworth said she suggested he “do a little homework.” The 10-nation bloc was established in 1967 and the United States has a top-level “comprehensive strategic partnership” with it. Its meetings attract top defense officials, diplomats and world leaders.