Secretary Austin Embarks on Crucial Indo-Pacific Travel to Strengthen Alliances and Address Regional Security
Washington D.C. – March 10, 2021 – Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is set to commence a significant travel itinerary across the Indo-Pacific region, with planned stops in Hawaii, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India. This series of engagements, commencing on March 10, 2021, underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s strong commitment to bolstering key alliances and partnerships vital for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Secretary’s journey is designed to foster deeper cooperation and address pressing security challenges with America’s closest allies and a strategically important partner. These discussions are expected to cover a wide range of critical issues, including regional security architecture, deterrence, and shared approaches to emerging threats.
Secretary Austin’s first stop in Hawaii will serve as a vital opportunity to engage with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command leadership. This will allow for in-depth consultations on the current operational environment and the strategic priorities for U.S. forces operating in the region.
Following his time in Hawaii, Secretary Austin will travel to Japan and the Republic of Korea. These two cornerstone allies in East Asia are essential to U.S. security interests and regional stability. Meetings with counterparts in Tokyo and Seoul are anticipated to focus on strengthening our respective defense capabilities, enhancing interoperability, and coordinating efforts to address North Korea’s destabilizing activities. Discussions will likely also encompass the importance of a rules-based international order and collective responses to shared security concerns.
The final leg of Secretary Austin’s trip will bring him to India, a rapidly growing strategic partner. India’s role in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly significant, and this visit represents a valuable opportunity to deepen the U.S.-India defense relationship. Key areas of discussion are expected to include expanding cooperation in maritime security, defense trade, and joint exercises, all aimed at promoting peace and stability across the region. This engagement also serves to highlight the growing convergence of interests between the United States and India in navigating the complex security landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
This extensive travel by Secretary Austin signals the renewed emphasis the Department of Defense places on the Indo-Pacific. By engaging directly with allies and partners, the Secretary aims to reinforce the enduring strength of U.S. alliances and the shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for all.
Secretary Austin Travels to Hawaii, Japan, Republic of Korea, India
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