Pentagon official asks Asian allies to invest more in defense to deter aggression
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A Pentagon official on Monday asked allies in Asia to invest more in their defense and help deter aggression in the region and said the United States remains committed to do the same with “partners, not protectorates.” Elbridge Colby, an undersecretary of defense, made the remarks at a forum in the Philippines, his first stop in Southeast Asia,…
On Monday, a senior Pentagon official visited the Philippines and urged Asian allies to bolster their defense capabilities to dissuade aggression in the region. Elbridge Colby, an undersecretary of defense, highlighted the U.S. commitment to maintaining a robust presence in Asia during a forum in Manila, his first stop in Southeast Asia.
The visit, which will also take him to Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia, comes amid the ongoing preoccupation with the Iran conflict and the Middle East. Colby emphasized that the United States is not pulling back from Asia, stating that America's vital national interests necessitate a sustained presence in the region. He reaffirmed the U.S. pledge to protect its allies, notably the Philippines, its longest-standing treaty partner in Asia, in the event of armed aggression in the South China Sea.
While avoiding direct criticism of China's growing assertiveness, Colby underscored the importance of Asia in U.S. strategic interests, positioning it as a top priority for Washington.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
