Pentagon official asks Asian allies to invest more in defense to deter aggression
Summary
A top Pentagon official asked U.S. allies in Asia to spend more on their own defense to help stop aggression in the region. He said the United States will stay involved in Asia and work alongside its partners as equals, not as countries they protect.Key Facts
- Elbridge Colby, a U.S. undersecretary of defense, spoke in the Philippines and will visit other Southeast Asian countries.
- The U.S. remains committed to its presence in Asia despite current focus on the Middle East.
- The Pentagon wants a strong balance of power in Asia to keep the region stable.
- The U.S. has a treaty to defend the Philippines if it faces armed attacks, including in the South China Sea.
- China claims most of the South China Sea, causing long-standing disputes with several Asian countries.
- The U.S. calls for Asian countries to modernize their military and share responsibility for their own security.
- The goal is to build partnerships based on equality, not to take full responsibility for allies’ defense.
- The Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and others are working to improve their defense and hold joint exercises with the U.S.
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