미일호주 국방장관 공동성명+필리핀+IPSCOM

DOD

United States-Japan-Australia Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting (TDMM) 2024 Joint Statement, May 2, 2024

May 3, 2024 DOD

 

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru , and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III convened a Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting in Hawaii on May 2, 2024. This was the thirteenth meeting among the defense leaders of the three nations and highlighted the landmark achievements made in implementing activities and practical areas of cooperation set forth in the 2023 Joint Statement.

The Ministers are united by our shared values and determination to deepen cooperation to promote the security, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The Ministers welcomed and acknowledged the significance of each country's recently implemented strategic documents, underscoring their deep strategic alignment and shared values. They affirmed the important role that the trilateral partnership contributes to realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific and the significant progress over the past year demonstrating their growing trilateral coordination at all levels and across all domains.

The Ministers reiterated their strong opposition to any attempts by the People's Republic of China (PRC) to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the South and East China Seas. This includes concerning and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, such as unsafe encounters at sea and in the air, the militarization of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, including interference with routine maritime operations, and efforts to disrupt other countries' offshore resource exploration. They strongly objected to China's claims and actions that are inconsistent with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and which undermine international rules, standards, and norms. They resolved to work together to support states being able to exercise their rights and freedoms in the maritime domain, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, consistent with UNCLOS.

The Ministers emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. 

The Ministers reaffirmed their enduring commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Southeast Asia, where sovereignty is respected, international law is followed, and nations can make decisions free from coercion. They reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and unity as well as ASEAN-led regional architecture. They recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asian partners including the Philippines and welcomed the second meeting of Australia, Japan, Philippines, and United States Defense Ministers and Secretary also being held in Hawaii.

The Ministers committed to deepening cooperation with Pacific island countries, by supporting their needs and efforts in the implementation of the Pacific Islands Forum's 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The Ministers affirmed they will continue expanding regional engagement with Pacific counterparts, particularly through the Pacific Islands Forum of which Australia is a member, and other inclusive Pacific architectures. 

The Ministers welcomed the U.S. Coast Guard's deployment of the Harriet Lane Cutter in its inaugural Operation Blue Pacific patrol in Oceania in early 2024. This deployment offered opportunities for the U.S. Coast Guard to work alongside Pacific island countries to share best practices on maritime domain awareness and support efforts led regionally by the Forum Fisheries Agency to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.

The Ministers are deeply concerned about North Korea's nuclear and missile development. They strongly condemn North Korea's repeated launches of missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and other launches using ballistic missile technology, which are serious violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Ministers strongly condemn the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including North Korea's export and Russia's procurement of North Korean ballistic missiles in violation of UNSC resolutions, as well as Russia's use of these missiles against Ukraine. The Ministers remain committed to working with the international community to address North Korea's serious threat to the region. They reiterate their call on North Korea to immediately resolve the abductions issue and cease its human rights violations.

The Ministers noted the progress on the introduction of counterstrike capabilities by Japan and investment in long-range strike capabilities by Australia. They confirmed that Australia and Japan would work closely together, and with the United States as these capabilities are introduced.

The Ministers acknowledge the significant progress made by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States over the past year to implement AUKUS, and noted the positive contribution the AUKUS partnership has on the security and stability in the region. Recognizing Japan's strengths and its close bilateral defense partnerships with all three AUKUS countries, the Ministers acknowledged that AUKUS partners are considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects.

The Ministers welcomed the August 2023 entry into force of the Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which will enable deeper trilateral cooperation and enhance interoperability by facilitating Australian Defence Force presence alongside the United States Forces in Japan and Japanese Self-Defense Forces alongside the United States Forces in Australia. They marked the inaugural reciprocal deployments of Japan's F-35A aircraft to Australia and Australia's F-35A aircraft to Japan in 2023 as the first cooperative activities under the RAA. Additionally, Ministers welcomed upcoming activities planned for trilateral F-35 joint training in 2025 and 2026. They noted progress on trilateral training using ranges in Australia and the successful conduct of Japan's first anti-air and anti-ship missile launch in Australia in 2023. The Ministers commit to leveraging the RAA to enable Japan's participation, alongside the United States Armed Forces, in force posture activities in Australia over the coming year.

The Ministers welcomed the historic inaugural achievements and activities in trilateral work over the past year and reaffirmed their intent to increase the complexity and scope of their work together. Since 2022, the three militaries have conducted multiple coordinated Asset Protection Missions, undertaken trilateral transits in the South China Sea, and increased the complexity of trilateral Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) cooperation including actual operations in the maritime and air domains. They committed to expanding trilateral ISR cooperation.

The Ministers welcomed Australia's valuable inaugural participation in the U.S.-Japan command post exercise, KEEN EDGE, in February, and the work underway to advance closer operational collaboration.

The Ministers reaffirmed their vision toward a networked air defense architecture among the United States, Japan, and Australia to counter growing air and missile threats in the Indo-Pacific region, including broadening missile defense information sharing and incorporating future capabilities. They announced their intent for the U.S. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and Japan Self-Defense Forces to conduct an inaugural regional air and missile defense live fire exercise in 2027 at Exercise TALISMAN SABRE.

Today Ministers signed the trilateral Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Projects Arrangement. Science and technology cooperation is vital to maintain their collective edge and deepen their defense cooperation. This landmark arrangement allows the respective defense organizations to pursue areas of interest for operationally-relevant advanced collaboration. Through this arrangement the ministries will further discuss cooperative opportunities in the areas of collaborative combat aircraft and autonomous systems and composite aerospace materials.

Reflecting the critical role the trilateral partnership plays in upholding regional stability, the Ministers committed to enhance our defense cooperation across the following areas:

Trilateral Activities and Exercises:

• Conduct trilateral F-35 Joint Strike Fighter trainings in all three countries in the next two years, including exercises such as:
  •       Exercise COPE NORTH 2025 – United States
  •       Exercise BUSHIDO GUARDIAN 2025 – Japan
  •       Exercise PITCH BLACK 2026 – Australia
• Continue increasing the frequency and complexity of high-end trilateral exercises in northern Australia such as Exercise SOUTHERN JACKAROO.
• Increase opportunities and enhance the complexity of ISR cooperation.
• Regularize Asset Protection Missions for the U.S. Forces and the Australian Defence Force by Japan Self-Defense Forces and transits by Australia, Japan, the United States, and other partners.
• Accelerate and deepen trilateral information-sharing cooperation.
• Continue trilateral policy and strategy dialogues on regional issues.

Expanded Cooperation:

• Pursue trilateral Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Arrangement cooperative opportunities in operationally-relevant advanced technologies.
• Boost strategic capabilities cooperation across multiple domains, including the conduct of an inaugural joint and combined live fire air and missile defense exercise in 2027 at Exercise TALISMAN SABRE.
• Increase Japan's participation in Australia-U.S. force posture cooperation activities.

Inclusive Partnerships:

• Deepen engagement with ASEAN Member States (including through the ADMM-Plus framework), Pacific island countries, India, the Republic of Korea, and like-minded partners and allies to uphold and reinforce free and open international order.
• Coordinate capacity building engagements with regional partners.

The Ministers affirmed that trilateral defense cooperation is essential to maintain regional stability, transparency, and respect for international rules and norms. They reiterated their firm determination to keep the Indo-Pacific free, open, secure, and prosperous while continuing to expand the scope of defense cooperation.

 

Joint Readout From Australia-Japan-Philippines-United States Defense Ministers' Meeting 

May 3, 2024 DOD

 

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, the Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, met together on May 2 in Hawaii. This marked the second-ever meeting of the defense leaders of these four nations, highlighting significant collaboration to advance a shared vision for a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. 

The Ministers and Secretaries expressed serious concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas. They strongly objected to the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea. They reiterated serious concern over the PRC's repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels' exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and the disruption of supply lines to Second Thomas Shoal, which constitute dangerous and destabilizing conduct. The Ministers and Secretaries emphasized the importance of upholding freedoms of navigation and overflight, and respect for international law, as reflected particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They called upon the PRC to abide by the final and legally binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award and resolved to work together to support states exercising their rights and freedoms in the South China Sea.

The leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthen cooperation in support of regional security and stability, following the Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on April 7, 2024. They underscored that multilateral defense cooperation among the four countries is growing stronger than ever, and welcomed progress in coordination at all levels. The Ministers and Secretaries discussed opportunities to further advance defense cooperation, including through continued maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, enhanced procedures to enable coordination and information sharing arrangements, as well as strengthening capacity building.

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Joint Readout From Australia-Japan-Philippines-United States Defense Ministers' Meeting

May 3, 2024 |   

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, the Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, met together on May 2 in Hawaii. This marked the second-ever meeting of the defense leaders of these four nations, highlighting significant collaboration to advance a shared vision for a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. 

The Ministers and Secretaries expressed serious concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas. They strongly objected to the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea. They reiterated serious concern over the PRC's repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels' exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and the disruption of supply lines to Second Thomas Shoal, which constitute dangerous and destabilizing conduct. The Ministers and Secretaries emphasized the importance of upholding freedoms of navigation and overflight, and respect for international law, as reflected particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They called upon the PRC to abide by the final and legally binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award and resolved to work together to support states exercising their rights and freedoms in the South China Sea.

The leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthen cooperation in support of regional security and stability, following the Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on April 7, 2024. They underscored that multilateral defense cooperation among the four countries is growing stronger than ever, and welcomed progress in coordination at all levels. The Ministers and Secretaries discussed opportunities to further advance defense cooperation, including through continued maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, enhanced procedures to enable coordination and information sharing arrangements, as well as strengthening capacity building.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, the Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, met together on May 2 in Hawaii. This marked the second-ever meeting of the defense leaders of these four nations, highlighting significant collaboration to advance a shared vision for a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. 

The Ministers and Secretaries expressed serious concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas. They strongly objected to the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea. They reiterated serious concern over the PRC's repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels' exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and the disruption of supply lines to Second Thomas Shoal, which constitute dangerous and destabilizing conduct. The Ministers and Secretaries emphasized the importance of upholding freedoms of navigation and overflight, and respect for international law, as reflected particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They called upon the PRC to abide by the final and legally binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award and resolved to work together to support states exercising their rights and freedoms in the South China Sea.

The leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthen cooperation in support of regional security and stability, following the Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on April 7, 2024. They underscored that multilateral defense cooperation among the four countries is growing stronger than ever, and welcomed progress in coordination at all levels. The Ministers and Secretaries discussed opportunities to further advance defense cooperation, including through continued maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, enhanced procedures to enable coordination and information sharing arrangements, as well as strengthening capacity building.

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Press Conference With Counterparts From Australia, Japan and the Philippines, in Honolulu, Hawaii

May 2, 2024Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense for Australia Richard Marles; Minister for Defense for Japan Minoru Kihara; Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.  

STAFF: Introduce our secretaries and ministers today. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III; the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense for Australia, the Honorable Richard Marles; Minister for Defense for Japan, the Honorable Minoru Kihara; and the Philippines Secretary of National Defense, the Honorable Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Each of the secretaries and ministers will deliver opening remarks and then have time to take a few questions. Please note that I will moderate those questions and call on journalists. With that, Mr. Secretary or Secretary Austin, the floor is yours, Sir.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Thanks, Patrick.

Well, good afternoon everyone. Deputy Prime Minister Marles, Minister Kihara, Secretary Teodoro, it's been great to welcome you to Camp Smith. And it's been great to be back here in Honolulu. I want to thank Admiral Aquilino in INDOPACOM for their hospitality on the eve of tomorrow's Change of Command Ceremony.

Earlier today, I had the chance to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Kihara. We discussed how we can deepen our trilateral cooperation to strengthen stability and security throughout the Indo-Pacific. And together with Secretary Teodoro, we held a historic meeting to further deepen the defense relationships among our four countries.

Just last year, in Singapore, the defense ministers from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States met together for the first time. Today's meeting, the second of its kind, built on that momentum, and it helped advance a vision that are for democracy share for a free and open Indo-Pacific. I'm proud of all that the United States has achieved each of your country's gentlemen since President Biden took office, and I'm proud that all that we've achieved together.

Just last month, our four militaries conducted a maritime cooperative activity in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. This was the second multilateral cooperative activity of its kind in the last 12 months alone. Activities like this don't just strengthen our interoperability, they also build bonds among our forces. And they underscore our shared commitment to international law in the South China Sea.

Now, we also talked about the security landscape across the Indo-Pacific and discussed new initiatives to make the region more stable and secure. We're looking to conduct more maritime exercises and activities among our four countries. We also want to pursue coordinated security assistance to the Philippines that will boost interoperability and help the Philippines achieve its defense modernization goals.

So, it's been a highly productive day. We've gathered here because we share a vision for peace, stability, and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. We've chartered an ambitious course to advance that vision together, and that's why today's meetings were so important. So ministers, thanks again for joining me here in Honolulu, and Richard, over to you.

AUSTRALIAN MINISTER OF DEFENSE RICHARD MARLES: Thank you, Secretary Austin, Minister Kihara, Secretary Teodoro, it is a pleasure and an honor to be standing with the three of you here today. We meet at a time when the global rules-based order is under intense pressure. We see that in Ukraine, with the appalling invasion by Russia of that country. But we see the global rules-based order under pressure in the Indo-Pacific as well. And a challenge to the global rules-based order in Ukraine is a challenge to the global-rules based order in the East China Sea, in the South China Sea, in the West Philippine Sea. And our four countries are utterly committed to asserting freedom of navigation, to asserting the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to asserting the global rules-based order around the oceans of the world, including in the West Philippine Sea.

Our alliance with the United States has been the cornerstone of Australia's national security since World War II. And today, the security relationship that we have with both Japan and with the Philippines has never been closer, but as close as our respective bilateral relationships are, there is a power and a significance in our four countries acting together. And today, the meetings that we have held represents a very significant message to the region and to the world about four democracies which are committed to the global rules-based order.

In our discussions today, we've spoken about an increased tempo of defense exercises based on the reciprocal access agreements, the status of forces agreements that we have between our countries, all which are being negotiated. We have been very pleased to sign the research, development, testing, and evaluation arrangement with Japan and with the United States, and this arrangement will see much greater collaboration between our countries in relation to defense science and technology. And we've also discussed ways in which our countries can coordinate more in terms of our activities in the Philippines, which is very important as well. As I said, we are four people who have a very close personal relationship, which reflects the significance of the relationship between our countries, and the determination and commitment that we have as four countries to upholding the global rules-based order within our region, and Australia has been very pleased to be able to participate in today's meetings.

Finally, can I just say the United States Indo-Pacific Command is profoundly important to the national security of Australia but also the countries of the region. And I want to take this opportunity to thank Admiral Chris Aquilino for his service in this command during his tenure of office. He is a dear friend of Australia and we wish him very much the best for his future. In the same breath, I'd also like to say how much we are looking forward to Admiral Sam Paparo taking up his role as the Commander of Indo-Pacific Command. I've had the opportunity to get to know Admiral Paparo over the last few years, excuse me, and I know that this command could not be in a safer or better pair of hands. And so with that, we wish both men all the best for the handover tomorrow.

JAPANESE MINISTER FOR DEFENSE MINORU KIHARA: First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Secretary Austin, DPM Marles, Secretary Teodoro, and everyone involved for your effort to realize this meeting. While the security environments around us is facing even harsher challenges, it is extremely vital for us, allies and like-minded countries, to cooperate and collaborate with each other in order to maintain and bolster peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region under such circumstances. It is extremely significant that we are able to hold a second meeting of the Japan -- U.S., Australia, Japan, and Philippines Defense Ministries meeting. Furthermore, to be able to hold the first joint press conference on the four nations.

We stand by together with all the nations who share a common vision of the free and open Indo-Pacific, which is the foundation of the peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region. Japan, I consider it is the most important to maintain and bolster free and open international order based on the rule of law. I express -- explained East China Sea situation in the meeting as well as also issues around South China Sea is the valid interest matters of the international society, including the four nations, which is directly related to the peace and stability of the region.

We stand united to strongly oppose any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo of the South China Sea by force or any activity to heighten the tension in the region. Last month, we had a joint exercise with U.S., Australia, Philippines, and Japan in the South China Sea. This was the first joint maritime cooperative activities, MCA, by the four nations to strengthen the regional cooperation to realize free and open Indo-Pacific. And at the -- and that opportunity, the four ministers who are present today issued a joint statement demonstrated that solidarity of our four nations to the international society. We would like to continue to pursue the further opportunities of cooperations.

Currently, we are under negotiation to reach RAA, Reciprocal Access Agreement, with the Philippines. The early settlement of this negotiation will further activate and vitalize the bilateral joint exercise and training of the Philippines and Japan military units and expected to contribute to the reinforcement cooperation -- of the cooperation among the four nations. Japan is determined to further strengthen the cooperation of the four nations and will make all possible efforts to secure peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Thank you.

PHILIPPINES SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE GILBERTO TEODORO JR.: Thank you very much, Secretary Austin, Deputy Prime Minister Marles, Minister Kihara. Thank you once again for -- to Secretary Austin for hosting this historic meeting today. It comes after the trilateral meeting between our heads of state in Washington, D.C. and in our case, the visits bilaterally of President Ferdinand Marcos to Australia, Japan, and the United States.

The underlying principle of this meeting is a shared respect for a rules-based international order and the upholding of international law. And it is safe to say that four countries, four independent countries voicing the same message means an important thing in the face of a unilateral declaration by a single theater actor. And this is what perhaps the symbolic suggestion of four defense ministry and department heads are here today. And in this spirit of upholding a rules-based international order, a free and open Indo-Pacific, and upholding international law, we meet here once again today, we meet here once again today in the latest iteration of a -- our four countries multilateral cooperation.

We are gratified to see that the Philippines' role as at the forefront of severe challenges to its territorial rights, challenging the accepted norms of international law are accepted by like-minded nations. We welcome their partnership and cooperation, not only to protect solely its territorial integrity and sovereignty, but to uphold, once again, let me reiterate, principles of international law, which guide the global order in the proper way that nations should live amongst each other.

On a more concrete note, this latest iteration will give birth to further cooperation and coordination and interoperability between four of our countries, which the four of us have committed to work closer together in order to have more synergies and partnerships, in order to make this alliance that we have stronger and more sustainable in the long run. Also, we look forward to concluding Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines so that our interoperability quadrilaterally can be in a more complete manner -- can be enforced in a more complete manner.

Lastly, we thank Admiral Aquilino of INDOPACOM for his service to the region. And we welcome working with Admiral Sam Paparo. Once again, thank you, Secretary Austin for hosting us. And we look forward to more fruitful outcomes in the future as we work closer together, not only in terms of our departments, but in true people to people understandings and exchanges. Thank you.

STAFF: Thank you all, gentlemen. Our first question will come from Phil Stewart, Reuters.

Q: Thank you. Secretary Austin, on Gaza, do you have any credible information that Hamas hopes to target U.S. troops building and eventually operating the pier of Gaza? And then a question on U.S. and Philippines. To Secretary Teodoro, given recent clashes with China in the Second Thomas Shoal, do you believe it's increasingly likely that you will need to invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty? And what kind of U.S. response would you like to see if a Filipino service member is killed?

And just to clarify, Secretary Austin, to confirm President Marcos referring to your comments, said it would take the death of a Filipino service member to invoke the treaty. Is that correct that you feel that way? And what makes that threshold the right one? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, thanks, Phil. Number of questions in there, so I'll try to work my way through them. But first, I think the first question was regarding any credible information that we have that Hamas is going to attack our troops. Of course, I don't discuss intelligence information at the podium, but I don't see any indications currently that there is an active intent to do that. Having said that, Phil, this is a combat zone and a number of things can happen, a number of things will happen. And the safety and security of our troops is very important to me.

And so the chairman and I have worked through -- have talked with the Combatant Commander, General Kurilla, a number of times on what measures he's putting in place. He personally is putting in place to ensure that our troops are protected. And so I think he's done an incredible job of making sure that he has the right means in place. Our allies are also providing security in that area as well. And so it's going to require that we continue to coordinate with them very closely to ensure that, you know, if anything happens that, you know, our troops are protected.

The second question I think you asked was regarding our treaty with the Philippines. You know, we've been very clear to everyone to include Beijing that the kind of behavior that we've seen where Filipino crews are put in danger where, you know, troop -- sailors have been injured and in property damage that's irresponsible behavior and it disregards international law. So, Phil, I won't get into any hypotheticals on what could happen and how it could happen. I would just say that you've heard me say. You've heard our president say a number of times that our commitment to the treaty is ironclad and we stand with the Philippines.

And finally, let me just say that, as all of us have said, we're doing historic work with the Philippines and helping them modernize their military and it's exciting work and we look forward to continuing to make progress. And today's discussion just highlighted the kinds of things that we need to focus on, that we are focusing on, types of exercises and operations we're going to do to ensure that we increase interoperability. So, it's been a very, very fruitful day from that standpoint.

SEC. TEODORO: I would like to echo the words of Admiral Aquilino that it would really be counterproductive to delve into hypotheticals. And I, for one, as Defense Secretary, would like to steer away the discussion from a scenario when or in what occasions the MDT may be invoked, when our jobs as secretaries is to make sure that there are no situations through capability building, through deterrence, that an MDT situation would arise. And so we are very conscious of the fact that we need to assert our rights but in a manner that safeguards the safety of each and every member of the Philippine Armed Force, which is the principal actor in the area.

And the talk about MDT sometimes also is exploited in the international press and used sometimes as a bogeyman in order for our countries bilaterally and multilaterally to go forward with legitimate hardening measures for the Republic of the Philippines. So I would stay away from theoretical and hypothetical talks of the MDT because to me, these are counterproductive. It is an agreement and it will be a political decision at the end of the day of both the -- principally the Philippine government when to invoke it.

And I will leave it at that.

STAFF: Thank you, gentlemen. Our next question will go to Tajima Yoshihiko, Asahi Shimbun.

Q: My name is Tajima from Asahi Shimbun. I would like to ask all of you, sirs, this is the first time that the Secretary and the Ministry -- Ministers of Defense of the four countries gathered together to make an appearance for the press conference. And having standing side by side to hold this press conference like this, what kind of message you could send to China?

SEC. AUSTIN: Is this for all of us? Okay, I'll start. And first and foremost, we're here today because we share a common vision. And that vision is a free and open Indo-Pacific. And we believe that our continued work together will continue to promote activities that will help lead to that accomplishment of that vision. And you just heard us talk about some of the work that we're doing together. And I think that kind of work will advance again, our efforts to achieve the objective.

Now, having said that, we're clear-eyed about the challenges that exist throughout the region. And it's a -- and so we'll need to continue to work together, to increase interoperability, to make sure that we share information, share intelligence. And again, I think that's the way that you promote security and stability. But that's why we're here because we share a common visions.

MIN. MARLES: Thank you. Well, we -- in standing here, I think we reflect a determination to work as closely as we can together to pursue our objectives. And those objectives are around what each of these four countries stands for on their own and what we stand for together. And that is, as Secretary Austin has just said, a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is the maintenance of the global rules-based order within our region.

And we do that as four democracies, which have shared values. So we stand here today is actually about us. That is what we are giving expression to in this moment. And I'd make the observation that in standing for a free and open Indo-Pacific, in standing for the expression of the global rules-based order in our region, we are standing for what has underpinned prosperity and security within the Indo-Pacific for decades, which has seen this region of the world experience enormous economic growth, and in many ways, be the powerhouse of the global economy and has literally seen millions of people raised out of poverty. That's what this is about.

This is first and foremost about what each of us stand for collectively. It is about the way in which we work together. And it is about the assertion of a global rules-based order.

MIN. KIHARA: Press conference today, we expressed concerns regarding the situation in East and South China Sea. However, this statement is not directed to towards any specific or particular nation. And it is towards the nations which are trying to change the status quo by force. Based on that, it is urgent that we strengthen cooperation and interoperability with allies in like-minded countries in order to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific nation.

At the last trilateral meeting, we were able to agree to promote cooperation and also in interoperability in the area of the defense and peacekeeping and security. And not too far from off from the U.S., Philippine, and Japan summit, this time, we were able to hold this defense ministers and the secretaries' meeting, and also hold this joint press conference today.

And I would like to continue sending messages throughout the world that us, four nations and governments gathered together here today, and we'll be sending we'll be in hand to hand to continue making efforts to the realization of free and open Indo-Pacific region, as well as realizing inter orders based on keeping -- abiding by the rules.

SEC. TEODORO: Is here, have a common understanding of generally accepted principles of international law, UNCLOS, and the need for a global and open Indo-Pacific. And this common understanding includes the interpretation of these bodies of law, which are commonly accepted against unilateral appropriations of singular interpretations for the benefit of any one country.

For the Philippines, this is particularly important, being a small archipelagic nation, where our integrity as an archipelagic country and as a political and legal whole depend on the world's acknowledgement of its baselines under international law. And this is not only a question of legal or political importance. But being a country with a growing population with climate change challenges, this is essential for its sustainability and for the sustenance of our future generations.

So generally, we are fighting today for the betterment of future generations of Filipinos. And that is the fight for us, which we appreciate, because it falls under the context of a rules-based international order that the three countries are supporting us in our common quest for already commonly understood definitions of international law, particularly in the maritime domain. This is the message that I interpret this meeting to be.

Q: One more question I would like to ask. For Japan, which is increasing the defense capability, how do you evaluate its effort? And then please tell us what you expect you have for Japan in the framework of these four nations. Also, we have another question for Minister Kihara. We understand that the very first maritime cooperative activity for U.S., Australia, Philippines, and Japan, and we are also understanding that there'll be more MCA or more frequent MCAs, and then with our constitution, and what would you think that you can -- what you can do, what type of activities you can do?

SEC. AUSTIN: (inaudible) to -- or efforts to defend -- efforts to increase his defense capability. And I'll let Minister Kihara speak to how they're doing and what they're doing. What I will say is that Japan is a very important ally to us. It is a very capable country, a proud democracy. And we have often described Japan as -- our relationship with Japan as a cornerstone to our efforts in the region. And certainly, leads to or contributes to greater security and stability in the region.

So we're going to do -- continue to do everything that we can to help Japan achieve its goals and objectives. You know, they -- they're looking to further modernize their force, do some things to restructure their command and control, invest in new capabilities. And we're going to help any way we can, every step of the way.

And you saw from the recent summit conducted in Washington, we announced a number of defense initiatives that I think are going to ensure that we're working together with Japan to continue to build real, credible capability as far as their defense is concerned.

MIN. MARLES: As I said at the outset, we have never been closer to Japan than we are right now in terms of the way in which we cooperate on our collective security. We have a reciprocal access agreement in place, which is a step change in the way in which we engage with each other in respect of defense. And that last year, for example, saw us operate F-35s in both of our countries together.

And so we welcome an increase in Japan's defense capabilities. We welcome it because we see Japan as a close partner with us, but with America, with the Philippines, in contributing to the collective security of the region in which we all live. And from Australia's point of view, we take the position now that the Defense of Australia doesn't mean much unless we see the collective security of the region in which we live.

And so when we look at Japan making its commitments to increase its capability and working closely with us in providing for the collective security of the region, that is a very good thing.

SEC. TEODORO: Japan has been a traditional, industrial, commercial, and tourism partner of the Philippines for some time now. So it is a logical facet of our bilateral relations that we welcome the increase in defense capabilities, particularly in the technological field of Japan of which the Philippines can be a partner or a recipient of.

Now, for the collective regional question, we welcome the additional capabilities of Japan, because as we said, they are an important cog in our scheme of things, particularly in this quadrilateral summit in enforcing regional peace in the area. And we look forward to Japan's increasing role, not only bilaterally with the signing of our reciprocal access agreement, but all the resultant benefits that this and other multilateral initiatives will bring to the region.

MIN. KIHARA: Well, that was my question too about my -- our contribution to the -- our role in the framework, correct? Okay. Last month, our -- the four nations had the joint exercise. 

And today we released a joint statement by four secretary and ministries -- ministers for who are standing here today. The MCA by our four countries is an effort that strengthens the international cooperation as -- and represents our stance that we support and respect maritime rights under the international laws, now, such as Freedom of Maritime activity in order to achieve realization of free and open Indo-Pacific.

And in terms of what type of activities that the Japan Self-Defense Force will or may participate in MCA will be considered and determined individually and specifically for each activity. In any case, I would work on deepening our commonality in our common tasks and pursue to have more opportunities of cooperation by four nations and including MCA. Thank you.

STAFF: Thank you, gentlemen. Our last question will go to Haley Britzky, CNN.

Q: Thank you so much. Question for you, Mr. Secretary and then for you as well, Minister Marles. Secretary Austin, you've said that you've not yet seen a detailed plan from Israel that takes into account removing civilians from harm in Rafah before an offensive operation. What consequences would Israel face from the U.S. if they moved on this operation without appropriately taking into account those civilians in the area?

And secondly, on Niger, where it was reported today that Russian troops have moved into an air base that also are housed in U.S. forces, are you concerned about the proximity of Russian and U.S. forces? And what is your message to other countries on the continent who may be eying expanding their relationship with Russia?

And for you, Minister Marles, Australia announced recently another 100 million in aid to Ukraine. After your recent visit to Ukraine, do you believe that that's enough? And would Australia be prepared to provide more support, particularly in air defenses? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, thanks, Haley. In terms of consequences, you know, I'll -- I won't speculate on what could happen, what should happen. That'll be determined by the President if we reach a point that we-- that something like that needs to happen.

But what we've asked, what we've highlighted for the Israelis is that, it's really important to make sure that the civilians that are in that battle space move out of the battle space before any activity is conducted. And that, you know, when -- if and when they return to any kind of operation, that it'd be conducted in a more -- much more precise fashion.

They have not yet moved the civilians out of the battle space. Just as you know, Haley, there were some 275,000 or so people that were living in and around Rafah before the conflict started. Now, there's 1. 4 million or so people there. And that's a lot of people in a very small space. And again, if there's a good chance that, you know, without taking the right measures that the civilians will be, you know, civilians --- we'll see a lot more civilian casualties going forward.

So before anything happens, we certainly want to see them address that threat to the civilians. And again, we would ask that things be sequenced. But, you know, right now, the conditions are not favorable to any kind of operation. And we've been clear about that. You know, it's necessary to take care of the civilian population that's in that area before anything else happens.

In Niger, you asked about Niger and Russians being in the same space that we're in in Niger. I think you know that Air Base 101, where our forces is, is a Nigerian Air Force base that is co-located with an international airport in the capital city. The Russians are in a separate compound and don't have access to U.S. forces or access to our equipment.

And this is something that, you know, again, I'm always focused on the safety and the protection of our troops, something that we'll continue to watch. But right now, I don't see a significant issue here in terms of our force protection. Thank you.

MIN. MARLES: Thanks for the question. I was very pleased and honored to be able to announce our most recent package in support of Ukraine, which was $100 million. But in announcing that package, it is just the most recent package. There will be more. We've made it clear from the outset that we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to resolve this conflict on its terms. And we see this as an enduring conflict where we will need to be standing side by side with Ukraine over the long-term. And so that will see future packages, just as there have been previous packages to the one that we announced last week.

But we did see that this was a particularly precarious moment for Ukraine. And so we felt that it was important on this occasion in announcing the package to do so in Ukraine.

And I felt very -- as I say, very privileged and honored to be able to make this announcement in Ukraine itself.

Integrated air and missile defense was a key priority for Ukraine in the conversations that we'd had with the Ukrainian government. It formed about half of the package that we announced. And we will continue to work with the Ukrainian government going forward about what their priorities are and where our support can be best placed.

STAFF: Mr. Ministers, Secretaries, thank you very much, gentlemen, for your time today. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our press briefing. Thank you for joining us today.

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Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's Change of Command Ceremony (As Delivered)

May 3, 2024Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III  

 

Well aloha, everyone! [Audience replies, "Aloha!"]

It's great to be back in Hawaii. And it's an honor to be joined today by so many distinguished guests, including Governor Green and other state and local leaders from Hawaii, members of Congress, Heads of State, ministers of defense, chiefs of defense, and ambassadors, and DOD leaders, and more.

Let me give a special shout-out to our outstanding Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C.Q. Brown. [Applause] And as you heard earlier, his lovely wife, Sharene, is with us here as well. [Applause]   And I'd also like to give a special warm welcome to the families of Chris Aquilino and Admiral Sam Paparo. [Applause]

Now, we're here to celebrate the exceptional men and women of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Thanks for everything that you do to keep America safe. Let's have a round of applause for INDOPACOM. [Applause]

This command's mission is at the heart of American security in the 21st century. Every day, INDOPACOM keeps the watch in our priority theater of operations. And together with our unmatched network of allies and partners, you're advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Each and every one of you. You know, we ask a lot of INDOPACOM these days. But every day over the past three years, this command has stepped up — under the extraordinary leadership of Admiral Aquilino.

Chris, you've helped transform our posture. You've strengthened our readiness. And you've deepened our alliances and partnerships. And all of that has bolstered our deterrence. You know, the United States has the most combat-credible fighting force on Earth. And we're going to keep it that way. [Applause]

Now, all this progress wasn't easy. Admiral Aquilino took command a year into the pandemic. Vaccines were just starting to become available. And on your watch, INDOPACOM delivered more than 130 million lifesaving COVID vaccines and other medical supplies, from the Philippines to Fiji. Let me say that again. More than 130 million doses. [Applause]

Now, our allies and partners know that we will stand by them. Because that's what America does. And that's who you are. You know, a few months ago, floods displaced nearly a million people in the Philippines. And INDOPACOM worked with USAID and the Philippine Air Force to rush food and other aid to local communities. And you helped our ally get back on their feet.

And at home, you've worked hard to keep the faith with the people of Hawaii. After the terrible 2021 fuel spill at Red Hill, this command helped ensure that Red Hill was safely defueled —and transferred to the Navy for final closure. And you've helped Maui recover from last year's devastating wildfires — surging lifesaving support and long-term disaster relief.

You know, Admiral Aquilino, your tenure has been a decisive time for our defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific. You've been a leading voice for major investments in critical munitions. You've pushed to advance the Replicator Initiative. You've built up the Guam Defense System to protect the most forward U.S. territory in the Indo-Pacific.

And you've helped get critical capabilities into the hands of the warfighter faster. And you've always understood the power of partnership. And so INDOPACOM is working with our regional allies and partners like never before. 

This command has organized major exercises with our friends year after year, including Balikatan, Cobra Gold, Freedom Shield, and Garuda Shield. Now, that boosts interoperability. It brings together tens of thousands of troops from dozens of ally and partner countries. In fact, this year's Balikatan is underway right now. Now, we've also made historic progress with our allies and partners to strengthen our regional force posture.

In Japan, we forward-stationed the most advanced formation in the Marine Corps, the Marine Littoral Regiment. In the Philippines, we've expanded U.S. access to four new sites under our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. In Papua New Guinea, we finalized a groundbreaking Defense Cooperation Agreement. We're hitting new milestones in our Major Defense Partnership with India.

With Australia, we're advancing new posture initiatives across every domain. We're deepening our historic AUKUS partnership with Australia and the U.K. And so, our allies and partners are working together in unprecedented ways, like the growing trilateral relationship between Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States. And we've continued to strengthen our ties across the region, including with ASEAN, the Quad, and other groups of partners.

Now, we still face real challenges in the region. Unfortunately, the People's Republic of China continues to engage in increasingly coercive behavior. And we can see that across the Taiwan Strait, in the East and South China Seas, among the Pacific Island countries, along the Line of Actual Control with India, and more. You know, the PRC is the only country with both the will — and, increasingly, the capacity— to dominate the Indo-Pacific and to reshape the global order to suit its autocratic vision. And that's why the PRC remains the Department's pacing challenge.

Meanwhile, North Korea, Russia, and violent extremist groups still threaten security in the region. But INDOPACOM has risen to meet the moment, together with allies and partners. And it has moved us closer to our shared vision of an Indo-Pacific that is free, and open, and secure. Again and again and again.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, this doesn't just happen. It takes vision. Dedication. It takes teamwork. And it takes leadership. And as everyone knows, as everyone has seen, those virtues have defined Admiral Aquilino over his 40 years in uniform—from ensign to admiral. Now, Chris didn't serve alone. So it's great to be here with his wife, Laura, and their daughters, Jessica and Lisa. Thanks for all the sacrifices that you've made — and thanks for standing by the admiral throughout his outstanding career. [Applause]

Now Laura and Chris raised two great children. Lisa is in southern California now, working as a film editor. And Jessica lives right here in Hawaii and works as an ICU nurse. And Laura, you are the heart of this outstanding family. So, thanks for being a fantastic advocate for our military families, and for supporting educational initiatives for military-connected kids, and being a great goodwill ambassador across the region. So tremendous thanks for everything that you and your family have done in support of the admiral. Once again, thank you so much. [Applause]

Now, Chris, you distinguished yourself as a naval aviator and a fierce warfighter. After graduating from Top Gun, you trained some of America's most promising fighter pilots. Speaking of Top Gun, I'm sorry that Jon Hamm beat you out for the role of the hard-bitten admiral in "Top Gun: Maverick." [Laughter] I know you wanted the part. But, uh, sorry that you didn't get that part. [Laughter]

But seriously: we've always counted on Chris in the cockpit. Chris, you've flown consequential and dangerous missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. And you've excelled at every echelon in command, from squadron to combatant command. And now, you know as I thought about this, as a young man, Chris inexplicably chose the Naval Academy over West Point. [Laughter and audience chatter] I knew somebody would say, "Beat Army." Hey, I'm the Secretary. I want everybody to win, OK? [Laughter]

You know, when Chris was getting ready to graduate, his fellow midshipmen in the Class of 1984 wrote in their yearbook, and I quote, "We know that Chris will always fly high." And then they added, "He'd always score low." [Laughter]

Now, they were referring to Chris's skill at the card game Hearts — and not his grades. And so we all hope that you and Laura will finally have more time to play Hearts in the years to come, Chris. And admiral, the Class of '84 was right. You have always flown high — and taken the forces that you've led to incredible heights. Now, you've also earned plenty of awards during your illustrious career. But I wanted to make sure that everyone understood what the Chairmen said earlier about you being the Old Goat. If you're not familiar with that term, that means you're in the Army. [Laughter]

But the Old Goat is the longest-serving Naval Academy graduate on active duty. So Chris: Bravo Zulu, my friend. Thanks for an incredible journey. Thanks for 40 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy. Charlene and I, and everyone here, wish you and Laura fair winds and following seas. And again, ladies and gentlemen, another round of applause for Admiral Aquilino. [Standing ovation]

And so today, the colors pass from Admiral Aquilino to Admiral Paparo. Now, Chris is a tough act to follow. But Admiral Paparo is exactly the right leader for this moment and this mission. Sam, let me welcome your wife, Maureen, your children, Elizabeth, John, Joseph, and Michael. And I know that your daughter Regina and her husband Christopher and your son Sam and his fiancée Katie all wish that they could be here today.

As you can see, the Paparo children are all doing well. And I'd like to congratulate Lieutenant JG Sam Paparo for carrying on his dad's legacy as a naval aviator. Now, over the admiral's career, the Paparo family has lived at 15 different duty stations. And each of the kids has attended at least five different schools.

And through each move, Maureen has been the rock of this exemplary military family. She has worked as a teacher and served on the Armed Services YMCA Board here in Hawaii. Maureen, thanks for your [dedication] to our military families, and for supporting after-school activities for kids of service members, and for making sure that everyone has food on their table, and for helping service members visit loved ones over the holidays, and more. So let's give it up for Maureen and the Paparo family. [Applause]

Sam, you've been a leader throughout your 37 years in uniform. Like Chris, you also graduated from Top Gun, and you've also flown critical missions around the world. You've worked closely with your sister services — flying F-15s with the Air Force, and serving with the Army in Afghanistan commanding a Provincial Reconstruction Team. And you have deep experience in this theater, including as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. It's all been leading up to this: the challenge of leading United States INDOPACOM. Sam, we all know that you will excel. And we know that you will lead with principle and pride. And we know that you will keep Americans safe.

And so, Admiral, thanks for a lifetime of service, and for all that you will give to this great command. Let's hear it again for Admiral Paparo and his family. [Applause] Now, I know that I'm standing between you and the grill on Aloha Friday. [Laughter]

But I wanted to conclude by taking just a moment to honor the life of Lou Conter, who died last month at the age of 102. As many of you know, he was the last known survivor of the U.S.S. Arizona — which rests just behind me. On [December] 7, 1941, he was a quartermaster. And miraculously, he wasn't hurt in the attack on Pearl Harbor. And he raced to help the wounded, put out fires, and recover his fallen teammates. And he went on to become a decorated naval aviator, flying missions in World War II and Korea. And he retired as a lieutenant [commander]. You know, whenever people asked about Pearl Harbor, he would always say, “I'm not a hero. I was just doing my job.” But he did more than his job. He did his duty. And his life was a beacon that should still guide us forward. His humility and his commitment to defending our country are hallmarks of the Greatest Generation. Their courage and patriotism defeated fascism, and helped establish the peace and prosperity that has made every American so much more secure since the end of World War II. That's the legacy — the mighty legacy — of Lou Conter.

And every day, American service members like you can carry that legacy forward. May we always live up to his example. So thanks again to the men and women of USINDOPACOM. Thanks for defending our country.  Thanks for upholding our values.  Thanks for raising your hand to serve. I am proud to be your teammate. And so may God bless you and your families. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.  Thank you very much. [Applause, standing ovation]