The Defense Department is committed to working with allies, partners and like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific and to upholding a free and open region founded on respect for international rules, laws and norms.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana at the Pentagon.
DOD prioritizes China as its long-term pacing challenge because of its increased military confidence, willingness to take risks and China's adoption of a coercive and aggressive approach to the Indo-Pacific region, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks said.
U.S. and Indian air force officials signed a landmark agreement to co-develop air-launched unmanned aerial vehicles — the inaugural co-development project under the U.S.- India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative.