Over the past 3 1/2 years, great progress has been made in building alliances and partnerships around the globe and strengthening security, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, during a press briefing as he prepares for an upcoming trip to Japan and the Philippines.
Austin said trilateral relations among the U.S., Japan and South Korea are stronger than ever.
The United States will deploy its most advanced tactical aircraft to Japan and plans to station a Marine Corps littoral regiment to that nation, he said, noting that it's the most advanced formation in the Marine Corps.
Notable progress has also been made in the Philippines with expanded base access for U.S. military personnel serving on a rotational basis, he said, adding that in the coming days, he will visit Japan and the Philippines with State Department Secretary Antony Blinken.
Elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region, great progress has been made, as well, Austin said. He cited strengthened relations with India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and others.
In the face of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, NATO gained new members, Finland and Sweden, Austin said. In 2021, only six NATO allies spent at least 2% of gross domestic product on their militaries, but this year, 23 have, the secretary said.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, led by the U.S., is comprised of some 50 nations supporting Ukraine, he said.
Besides notable leadership from the administration, Austin said that much of the credit for national security success is due to the talented professionals in the military, from getting aid to Gaza to stopping the attacks on shipping lanes by the Houthis. "Our troops are out there doing amazing things every day."
Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ. Brown, Jr., said that the importance of allies and partners is crucial when dealing with global challenges from Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and extremist organizations.
"We need to redouble our efforts to collaborate and cooperate with allies and partners," Brown said, noting progress in Arctic security and cooperation with African nations as two examples of expanding cooperation.