In addition to our bilateral alliance relationships, we are encouraging an interconnected region. These linkages are expanding – including, but also independent of the United States, a development we welcome.
Our second department of defense effort is to empower countries in the region so they can be even stronger contributors to their own peace and stability.
The pacific region countries represented here are obviously critical to strengthening and transforming the underlying security structure that has enabled tremendous regional prosperity.
We call upon all countries to contribute sufficiently to their own security. At the same time, we encourage them to actively seek out opportunities and partnerships with other like-minded nations, and we do the same, to sustain and maintain the peace.
We will continue to engage closely with our partners, building on recent progress. We are exploring new ways to address challenges, from maritime security to the growing threat posed by the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia.
For example, we recognize India, the most populous democracy in the world, as a major defense partner. We did so, in part, out of respect for India’s indispensable role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region.
We are also conducting the first-ever transfer of a coast guard cutter to Vietnam, and we just completed the inaugural US-Singapore air detachment in Guam, which will help build interoperability between our forces.
The department of defense remains steadfastly committed to working with Taiwan and with its democratic government to provide it the defense articles necessary, consistent with the obligations set out in the Taiwan relations act, because we stand for the peaceful resolution of any issues in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the Taiwan strait.
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