US Defense Secretary Tours Indo-Pacific Region... "Highly Commends South Korea's Willingness to Increase Defense Spending"
The U.S. Department of Defense announced on October 26 (local time) that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will embark on a tour of the Indo-Pacific region, visiting Hawaii, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea.
The Department of Defense stated that the main agenda for this trip will include emphasizing that the United States is focusing on the Indo-Pacific, which is the Department’s priority theater; highlighting the importance of increased defense spending and joint defense contributions by allied nations; and reaffirming the Department’s commitment to close cooperation with these allies.
This marks Secretary Hegseth’s second visit to the Indo-Pacific region. The trip appears to be aimed at strengthening joint responses with Asian countries to counter China.
In Hawaii, Secretary Hegseth will meet with the leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to assess the combat readiness of U.S. forces.
In Japan, he plans to underscore the urgent need to strengthen alliances in response to increasing regional threats.
In Malaysia, he will attend the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to discuss ways to enhance regional security cooperation. In Vietnam, he is scheduled to discuss expanding defense cooperation, including defense industry trade and information sharing.
In South Korea, Secretary Hegseth will co-chair the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between the United States and South Korea. The Department of Defense stated that Secretary Hegseth will commend the South Korean government for increasing its defense spending and demonstrating a stronger commitment to the deterrence and defense of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
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The Department of Defense explained, "Under Secretary Hegseth’s clear and strong leadership, the Department recognizes the importance of strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region and the need to firmly establish 'peace through strength' with allies and partners." The Department added that Secretary Hegseth will emphasize these priorities throughout his trip.
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