1 00:00:00,140 --> 00:00:02,307 who needs no introduction . He follows 2 00:00:02,307 --> 00:00:04,307 a great tradition here at the Aspen 3 00:00:04,307 --> 00:00:07,400 security forum . I think uh , you are 4 00:00:07,400 --> 00:00:09,550 the third commander in the pecan 5 00:00:09,550 --> 00:00:11,772 commander we have here and we're always 6 00:00:11,772 --> 00:00:13,772 very , very glad to hear from you . 7 00:00:14,140 --> 00:00:16,418 John Aquilino graduated from the U . S . 8 00:00:16,418 --> 00:00:18,520 Naval Academy . He has served in 9 00:00:18,520 --> 00:00:20,960 numerous fighter squadrons including 10 00:00:20,960 --> 00:00:23,640 the famous red rippers and has 11 00:00:23,640 --> 00:00:27,500 commanded across the U . S . Military 12 00:00:27,500 --> 00:00:30,060 including most recently as a 36 13 00:00:30,060 --> 00:00:32,227 commander of the US pacific fleet . So 14 00:00:32,227 --> 00:00:34,560 clearly has deep deep knowledge for us 15 00:00:34,840 --> 00:00:37,320 in the topic we were just talking about 16 00:00:37,330 --> 00:00:40,370 and to interview the commander . 17 00:00:40,370 --> 00:00:42,800 Actually , no , we have David Ignatius , 18 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:44,911 an old friend and member of the Aspen 19 00:00:44,911 --> 00:00:47,030 strategy group , A columnist at the 20 00:00:47,030 --> 00:00:49,680 Washington post , winner of many , many 21 00:00:49,690 --> 00:00:51,801 journalism awards including of course 22 00:00:51,801 --> 00:00:54,170 the George Polk Award in one of the 23 00:00:54,170 --> 00:00:56,620 most knowledgeable journalists on this 24 00:00:56,630 --> 00:01:00,100 area of the world . So , David and 25 00:01:00,110 --> 00:01:02,332 Commander . Actually , no , I will turn 26 00:01:02,332 --> 00:01:04,840 it over to you . Thank you . So my 27 00:01:04,840 --> 00:01:07,880 thanks to Anya , I think Admiral . 28 00:01:07,880 --> 00:01:10,102 Actually , no . And I both wish that we 29 00:01:10,102 --> 00:01:11,980 were in aspen the beetle on this 30 00:01:11,980 --> 00:01:15,730 conversation , but we'll hope for for 31 00:01:15,730 --> 00:01:17,900 next year , Admiral , it's great to 32 00:01:17,900 --> 00:01:20,630 have you with us first . Let me begin 33 00:01:20,630 --> 00:01:23,480 with the issue . That's on your mind 34 00:01:23,480 --> 00:01:25,313 the most , I think these days on 35 00:01:25,313 --> 00:01:28,160 everyone's minds , which is china . 36 00:01:28,170 --> 00:01:31,340 Your predecessor as a combatant 37 00:01:31,340 --> 00:01:33,507 commander , Admiral Davidson made some 38 00:01:33,507 --> 00:01:35,920 headlines back in March when he told 39 00:01:35,920 --> 00:01:37,920 the Senate Armed Services Committee 40 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:40,031 that for china and I'm quoting here , 41 00:01:40,031 --> 00:01:41,753 Taiwan is clearly one of their 42 00:01:41,753 --> 00:01:43,864 ambitions . And I think the threat is 43 00:01:43,864 --> 00:01:46,150 manifest during this decade , in fact 44 00:01:46,640 --> 00:01:49,000 during the next six years . So I want 45 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:51,111 to lead off by asking you whether you 46 00:01:51,111 --> 00:01:54,570 have the same timetable and 47 00:01:54,570 --> 00:01:56,790 also as you settle into the job after 48 00:01:56,790 --> 00:01:58,901 your first three months . What's your 49 00:01:58,901 --> 00:02:01,200 own thoughts are about the china 50 00:02:01,200 --> 00:02:02,860 problem that you confront ? 51 00:02:05,540 --> 00:02:07,707 Well , David , good morning . first of 52 00:02:07,707 --> 00:02:10,320 all , thank you very much for having me . 53 00:02:10,320 --> 00:02:13,720 I appreciate you and my conversation . 54 00:02:13,730 --> 00:02:17,010 Uh And that is a headline that Admiral 55 00:02:17,010 --> 00:02:19,490 Davidson stated . That has certainly 56 00:02:19,490 --> 00:02:21,660 been on everyone's mind . Let me start 57 00:02:21,670 --> 00:02:23,837 by laying a little of the groundwork . 58 00:02:23,940 --> 00:02:26,650 First of all , the indo pacific as 59 00:02:26,650 --> 00:02:29,230 identified by the secretary is the most 60 00:02:29,230 --> 00:02:32,000 consequential theater with our greatest 61 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:35,730 security challenge . Mhm . Additionally , 62 00:02:35,740 --> 00:02:37,629 as you know , four or five of the 63 00:02:37,629 --> 00:02:40,230 identified national defense strategy 64 00:02:40,230 --> 00:02:44,170 threats uh reside in 65 00:02:44,170 --> 00:02:47,710 this theater . And uh as we always do , 66 00:02:47,720 --> 00:02:49,960 uh we always want to talk about china 67 00:02:50,440 --> 00:02:53,650 immediately . And what I would like to 68 00:02:53,650 --> 00:02:55,770 highlight is some words that the 69 00:02:55,770 --> 00:02:57,881 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said the 70 00:02:57,881 --> 00:02:59,826 other day at sea air space . Uh He 71 00:02:59,826 --> 00:03:02,740 categorized this . He said , china is 72 00:03:02,740 --> 00:03:06,030 coming at us rapid . That includes 73 00:03:06,030 --> 00:03:07,808 economically diplomatically and 74 00:03:07,808 --> 00:03:10,990 militarily . And he said the challenge 75 00:03:10,990 --> 00:03:12,934 is putting the international order 76 00:03:12,934 --> 00:03:16,640 under tremendous stress . So I will 77 00:03:16,640 --> 00:03:18,862 tell you , I do not have a crystal ball 78 00:03:18,862 --> 00:03:21,340 when I was confirmed . What I 79 00:03:21,340 --> 00:03:23,451 highlighted is that I have a sense of 80 00:03:23,451 --> 00:03:25,229 urgency in order to execute the 81 00:03:25,229 --> 00:03:27,560 integrated deterrence that the 82 00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:30,260 Secretary of Defense has tasked us with 83 00:03:31,340 --> 00:03:34,080 uh huh . We are here to continue to 84 00:03:34,080 --> 00:03:36,740 operate to ensure peace and prosperity 85 00:03:36,970 --> 00:03:40,920 through the region and we have to 86 00:03:40,920 --> 00:03:44,150 be in a position to ensure 87 00:03:44,740 --> 00:03:47,930 that the status quo remains as it 88 00:03:47,930 --> 00:03:51,710 applies to Taiwan and the U . 89 00:03:51,710 --> 00:03:55,500 S . One china policy . And 90 00:03:55,510 --> 00:03:59,090 our engagements are dictated by the 91 00:03:59,090 --> 00:04:02,550 Taiwan relations Act . We support 92 00:04:03,940 --> 00:04:06,560 peaceful and 93 00:04:07,040 --> 00:04:08,560 approved 94 00:04:10,540 --> 00:04:13,820 actions that avoid anything other than 95 00:04:13,820 --> 00:04:16,590 peaceful resolution to those questions 96 00:04:16,590 --> 00:04:18,701 for the nation's across both sides of 97 00:04:18,701 --> 00:04:22,280 the strength . So our 98 00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:25,050 engagements with Taiwan or to ensure 99 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:29,380 that they are able to defend themselves 100 00:04:29,380 --> 00:04:31,324 in accordance with as I said , the 101 00:04:31,324 --> 00:04:34,320 Taiwan relations Act , the six 102 00:04:34,320 --> 00:04:36,376 assurances in the three communicates 103 00:04:37,240 --> 00:04:39,360 that policy is clear and that's why 104 00:04:39,360 --> 00:04:43,210 we're here . So 105 00:04:43,220 --> 00:04:46,330 Admiral , if I could just continue with 106 00:04:46,330 --> 00:04:49,260 the question of of Taiwan , which 107 00:04:49,740 --> 00:04:52,450 is certainly on everyone's minds , 108 00:04:52,460 --> 00:04:55,370 given what has occurred in Hong kong 109 00:04:55,370 --> 00:04:58,280 over the last year . Uh some have 110 00:04:58,280 --> 00:05:00,680 speculated and this speculation , I 111 00:05:00,680 --> 00:05:03,160 think increased after the Anchorage 112 00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:04,882 meeting between senior U . S . 113 00:05:04,882 --> 00:05:07,350 Officials and chinese officials that 114 00:05:07,360 --> 00:05:11,040 Taiwan maybe a real 115 00:05:11,040 --> 00:05:14,900 priority for President Xi Jinping . We 116 00:05:14,900 --> 00:05:18,120 see an increase in rhetoric from 117 00:05:18,130 --> 00:05:21,640 Beijing . Certainly chinese 118 00:05:21,640 --> 00:05:24,490 military activity and power is being 119 00:05:24,490 --> 00:05:28,150 demonstrated and ask how 120 00:05:28,160 --> 00:05:32,140 concerned you are that this is a 121 00:05:32,150 --> 00:05:35,710 near term uh threat and the 122 00:05:35,710 --> 00:05:38,550 possibility that china's timetable for 123 00:05:38,940 --> 00:05:41,330 some resolution of the Taiwan issue 124 00:05:41,330 --> 00:05:44,460 from their standpoint , maybe uh being 125 00:05:44,460 --> 00:05:46,790 stepped up so that it's more immediate 126 00:05:46,790 --> 00:05:48,846 problem than we might have thought a 127 00:05:48,846 --> 00:05:52,650 few years ago . Thanks David . So 128 00:05:53,640 --> 00:05:55,362 I think what I would say is we 129 00:05:55,362 --> 00:05:57,810 certainly view with concern many of the 130 00:05:57,810 --> 00:06:01,050 actions that we've seen from Beijing . 131 00:06:02,040 --> 00:06:05,860 Uh they are clearly 132 00:06:05,870 --> 00:06:09,750 as has been stated by President xi , 133 00:06:10,640 --> 00:06:14,360 a desire to achieve the capabilities 134 00:06:14,940 --> 00:06:17,200 that he believes his nation needs 135 00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:20,960 militarily by 2027 . Those are his 136 00:06:20,960 --> 00:06:24,750 words . But I think what I view with 137 00:06:24,750 --> 00:06:28,010 most concerned or certainly not the 138 00:06:28,010 --> 00:06:31,560 words , but the actions that we've seen , 139 00:06:33,240 --> 00:06:36,750 Mhm Taiwan , is it critical 140 00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:42,560 hard of President jeez legacy ? 141 00:06:43,340 --> 00:06:47,230 And he has voiced that as well . But 142 00:06:47,230 --> 00:06:49,560 when I say concerned about actions , 143 00:06:50,640 --> 00:06:52,807 you've highlighted one of them , which 144 00:06:52,807 --> 00:06:56,710 is the actions that occurred in Hong 145 00:06:56,710 --> 00:07:00,460 kong . Those actions were 146 00:07:00,940 --> 00:07:04,380 completely uh disconnected from the 147 00:07:04,380 --> 00:07:06,670 words from Beijing to adhere to the 148 00:07:06,670 --> 00:07:10,260 agreement that was in place . We 149 00:07:10,260 --> 00:07:13,380 see similar actions . If you were to 150 00:07:13,380 --> 00:07:16,260 look at the border of India . 151 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:20,860 We view that that with concern 152 00:07:21,940 --> 00:07:25,610 ah if you look at the actions 153 00:07:25,610 --> 00:07:27,640 associated with the weed eggers in 154 00:07:27,640 --> 00:07:31,620 Jingjiang and the violations 155 00:07:31,630 --> 00:07:34,310 of what we believe that dignity and 156 00:07:34,310 --> 00:07:36,532 respect and human rights . That we view 157 00:07:36,532 --> 00:07:39,560 those actions with concern . 158 00:07:40,540 --> 00:07:43,860 We view with concern the unlawful claim 159 00:07:45,340 --> 00:07:49,300 to the entire south china sea directly 160 00:07:49,300 --> 00:07:52,340 and negatively impacting all of the 161 00:07:52,350 --> 00:07:54,940 countries in the region from their 162 00:07:54,940 --> 00:07:57,250 livelihood , whether it be with fishing 163 00:07:57,640 --> 00:08:00,960 or access to natural resources , 164 00:08:02,640 --> 00:08:05,960 those are the things that leads me to 165 00:08:05,960 --> 00:08:08,770 believe that our execution of 166 00:08:08,770 --> 00:08:11,660 integrated deterrence has to occur now 167 00:08:12,640 --> 00:08:14,307 and with a sense of urgency . 168 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:19,300 So that's a powerful list of 169 00:08:19,300 --> 00:08:22,820 concerns , Admiral . And I want to ask 170 00:08:22,820 --> 00:08:25,910 you about our ability 171 00:08:25,910 --> 00:08:29,820 to project power as china 172 00:08:29,820 --> 00:08:32,390 becomes more powerful and assertive . 173 00:08:32,390 --> 00:08:36,060 It's often said casually that the days 174 00:08:36,070 --> 00:08:38,640 when the United States could sail an 175 00:08:38,640 --> 00:08:40,862 aircraft carrier task force through the 176 00:08:40,862 --> 00:08:43,740 Taiwan straits in the event of a crisis 177 00:08:43,750 --> 00:08:47,710 are over , curious how you would assess 178 00:08:47,710 --> 00:08:51,260 that that issue . And um 179 00:08:51,740 --> 00:08:55,450 more generally how you would describe 180 00:08:55,450 --> 00:08:59,080 our ability to assist and defend 181 00:08:59,090 --> 00:09:01,060 Taiwan in the event of a crisis ? 182 00:09:04,240 --> 00:09:06,240 Well , David , let me start this by 183 00:09:06,240 --> 00:09:08,550 saying , you know , there is a 184 00:09:08,550 --> 00:09:11,960 narrative that we see often 185 00:09:12,640 --> 00:09:15,630 in the media that talks about the U . S . 186 00:09:15,640 --> 00:09:19,160 And the West in decline . Uh 187 00:09:19,540 --> 00:09:22,650 I think what I start with is you know , 188 00:09:22,650 --> 00:09:25,030 that narrative is certainly being 189 00:09:25,030 --> 00:09:28,680 pushed by our adversaries . What I want 190 00:09:28,680 --> 00:09:31,350 to be very clear is we have the world's 191 00:09:32,340 --> 00:09:35,960 the greatest military on the planet , 192 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:41,010 that military will operate anywhere in 193 00:09:41,010 --> 00:09:43,240 accordance with international rules and 194 00:09:43,240 --> 00:09:47,180 laws that we will fly steam and sail 195 00:09:47,380 --> 00:09:50,230 anywhere . International law allows the 196 00:09:50,230 --> 00:09:53,640 U . S . The pacific fleet just 197 00:09:53,640 --> 00:09:57,100 recently sailed through the Taiwan 198 00:09:57,100 --> 00:10:01,010 straits . Uh Taiwan streets are 199 00:10:01,020 --> 00:10:04,650 by the 1982 Unclos uh 200 00:10:06,340 --> 00:10:09,750 Treaty is international waters . 201 00:10:11,940 --> 00:10:14,140 There is no reason any nation should 202 00:10:14,140 --> 00:10:17,210 not be allowed , nor should any nation 203 00:10:17,210 --> 00:10:20,860 be allowed to claim as their own . 204 00:10:22,740 --> 00:10:26,340 So the narratives is not based . In 205 00:10:26,340 --> 00:10:28,970 fact , the US has the world's largest 206 00:10:29,030 --> 00:10:31,880 economy . I don't think that I would 207 00:10:31,880 --> 00:10:35,230 categorize the U . S . In decline . I 208 00:10:35,230 --> 00:10:37,660 do believe is that it is a narrative 209 00:10:38,340 --> 00:10:41,000 that other nations would like to 210 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:43,580 continue to send . But I do believe 211 00:10:43,580 --> 00:10:44,969 it's not based in fact . 212 00:10:46,940 --> 00:10:50,690 Uh you certainly right in 213 00:10:50,700 --> 00:10:54,600 in noting that the stressed by our 214 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:56,767 adversaries on this theme of decline . 215 00:10:56,767 --> 00:10:59,300 But I want a site for you , somebody 216 00:10:59,300 --> 00:11:01,770 who's a strong advocate of the United 217 00:11:01,770 --> 00:11:03,770 States and our military power . And 218 00:11:03,770 --> 00:11:06,350 that's chris pros . The former staff 219 00:11:06,350 --> 00:11:08,461 director of the Senate Armed Services 220 00:11:08,461 --> 00:11:12,330 Committee , john McCain's key aide on 221 00:11:12,330 --> 00:11:14,920 the on that committee in a book that he 222 00:11:14,920 --> 00:11:17,250 published two years ago called The Kill 223 00:11:17,250 --> 00:11:19,420 Chain . He wrote something that is 224 00:11:19,420 --> 00:11:22,290 really stuck with me quoted over the 225 00:11:22,290 --> 00:11:25,500 past decade . Chris says in U . S . War 226 00:11:25,500 --> 00:11:27,722 Games against china . The United States 227 00:11:27,722 --> 00:11:29,722 has a nearly perfect record . We've 228 00:11:29,722 --> 00:11:33,380 lost almost every single time . He goes 229 00:11:33,380 --> 00:11:35,900 on to talk about how our spy and 230 00:11:35,900 --> 00:11:38,067 communications satellites in these war 231 00:11:38,067 --> 00:11:40,530 games are immediately disabled . Our 232 00:11:40,530 --> 00:11:42,910 forward bases in Guam and Japan are 233 00:11:42,910 --> 00:11:45,610 inundated by precise missiles or 234 00:11:45,610 --> 00:11:47,810 aircraft carriers are vulnerable and 235 00:11:47,810 --> 00:11:51,570 have to Escape attack are F 35 fighters 236 00:11:51,570 --> 00:11:53,292 can't reach targets because of 237 00:11:53,292 --> 00:11:56,220 refueling problems et cetera . You know 238 00:11:56,220 --> 00:11:59,980 this list ? My question for you is are 239 00:11:59,980 --> 00:12:03,560 these analyses of US power in your 240 00:12:03,940 --> 00:12:07,580 area of command too ? Pessimistic ? Uh 241 00:12:07,590 --> 00:12:10,770 If they are , I would be interested in 242 00:12:10,770 --> 00:12:12,881 knowing what chinese capabilities you 243 00:12:12,881 --> 00:12:15,290 do worry about . If we're overstating 244 00:12:15,300 --> 00:12:17,522 the extent of their power , what should 245 00:12:17,522 --> 00:12:18,578 we be focused on ? 246 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:23,420 Well , I think I'd start with we have 247 00:12:23,420 --> 00:12:25,476 to have an understanding of what war 248 00:12:25,476 --> 00:12:29,250 games are designed to do for us . Mm . 249 00:12:29,740 --> 00:12:33,280 Those exercises and events 250 00:12:33,500 --> 00:12:35,556 first of all are designed to learn . 251 00:12:36,440 --> 00:12:38,990 Our intent is to challenge ourselves 252 00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:42,060 against the absolute most difficult 253 00:12:42,070 --> 00:12:45,380 problem . Uh And David this is the way 254 00:12:45,380 --> 00:12:48,890 it's been for hundreds of years and 255 00:12:48,900 --> 00:12:51,011 it's resulted in the military we have 256 00:12:51,011 --> 00:12:54,310 today as I said the most powerful 257 00:12:54,320 --> 00:12:57,900 military on the planet . So uh you know 258 00:12:57,900 --> 00:13:00,122 chris and I have had some conversations 259 00:13:00,340 --> 00:13:04,250 uh I think we will continue to do that 260 00:13:04,260 --> 00:13:07,450 and I'll just tell you that data is 261 00:13:08,040 --> 00:13:11,670 probably dated now as we have executed 262 00:13:11,670 --> 00:13:14,760 a few most recently . But those games 263 00:13:14,760 --> 00:13:17,750 have helped us to identify where we 264 00:13:17,750 --> 00:13:20,860 have gaps and seams . How we make 265 00:13:21,340 --> 00:13:23,440 requests for capabilities and 266 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:26,380 requirements to ensure that our 267 00:13:26,380 --> 00:13:29,260 competitive advantage is maintained 268 00:13:29,940 --> 00:13:32,360 that we're not fighting the last war 269 00:13:32,740 --> 00:13:34,907 that we look at everything in the most 270 00:13:34,907 --> 00:13:37,360 difficult manner possible and for the U . 271 00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:39,560 S . Military to continue to improve . 272 00:13:40,740 --> 00:13:44,570 So I guess I'm less concerned with an 273 00:13:44,570 --> 00:13:46,850 understanding of truly what we're 274 00:13:46,850 --> 00:13:49,910 trying to get out of that those war 275 00:13:49,910 --> 00:13:52,100 games the United States has the most 276 00:13:52,100 --> 00:13:55,450 capable advanced military capabilities 277 00:13:55,940 --> 00:13:57,996 on the planet . And I think what I'd 278 00:13:57,996 --> 00:14:00,210 highlight is you've heard my secretary 279 00:14:00,210 --> 00:14:02,377 talk about integrated deterrence and I 280 00:14:02,377 --> 00:14:04,730 mentioned it before . You know that 281 00:14:04,730 --> 00:14:06,563 view of integrated deterrence is 282 00:14:06,563 --> 00:14:09,740 designed for the entire joint force to 283 00:14:09,740 --> 00:14:12,320 be able to operate in a synchronized 284 00:14:12,330 --> 00:14:15,250 fashion in all domains . 285 00:14:16,240 --> 00:14:19,860 Yeah as we integrate cyberspace and 286 00:14:19,860 --> 00:14:23,560 space capabilities as we do it with all 287 00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:27,560 forms of US national power and 288 00:14:27,560 --> 00:14:30,980 as we synchronize those with our most 289 00:14:30,980 --> 00:14:33,091 critical asset and that is our allies 290 00:14:33,091 --> 00:14:36,280 and partners . So when we pull all 291 00:14:36,280 --> 00:14:40,070 those together let me just say that you 292 00:14:40,070 --> 00:14:42,740 know I have a level of confidence that 293 00:14:42,740 --> 00:14:44,980 the U . S . Military Department 294 00:14:44,980 --> 00:14:48,550 offenses in a good place . But that's a 295 00:14:48,560 --> 00:14:51,730 helpful answer . Just to clarify , I 296 00:14:51,740 --> 00:14:53,620 hear you saying that some of the 297 00:14:53,620 --> 00:14:56,570 vulnerabilities that chris Rose was 298 00:14:56,570 --> 00:14:59,180 writing about that emerged in these war 299 00:14:59,180 --> 00:15:03,020 games . Uh Your combatant command has 300 00:15:03,020 --> 00:15:06,480 taken specific steps to address and 301 00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:09,130 that you're less concerned now than you 302 00:15:09,130 --> 00:15:11,019 might have been several years ago 303 00:15:11,019 --> 00:15:13,074 because of the specific changes that 304 00:15:13,074 --> 00:15:15,074 have been made . And I am I hearing 305 00:15:15,074 --> 00:15:17,186 that right ? Well what I think what I 306 00:15:17,186 --> 00:15:20,030 say is I'm confident that we still have 307 00:15:20,030 --> 00:15:23,790 the finest and strongest military on 308 00:15:23,790 --> 00:15:27,740 the earth . Uh and that the US is ready 309 00:15:27,740 --> 00:15:31,460 for any contingency . Should it occur 310 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:36,110 they turn to an issue that we discussed 311 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:39,740 yesterday that's key new 312 00:15:39,750 --> 00:15:42,690 component of of your command and that's 313 00:15:42,690 --> 00:15:46,060 the quad . The relationship between 314 00:15:46,440 --> 00:15:48,790 United States , Japan India and 315 00:15:48,790 --> 00:15:52,720 Australia . Like to ask for your sense 316 00:15:52,720 --> 00:15:55,480 of the importance of the quad . For 317 00:15:55,490 --> 00:15:58,570 indo pak calm . What plans you have 318 00:15:58,570 --> 00:16:01,400 about additional exercises , What you 319 00:16:01,400 --> 00:16:05,260 think about interoperability issues and 320 00:16:05,260 --> 00:16:06,982 just generally from a military 321 00:16:06,982 --> 00:16:09,093 standpoint as a combatant commander , 322 00:16:09,093 --> 00:16:12,400 how important the quad is to your 323 00:16:12,400 --> 00:16:16,140 planning , but I think it's 324 00:16:16,140 --> 00:16:19,340 extremely important and we have to , we 325 00:16:19,340 --> 00:16:21,670 have to remember that the quad is based 326 00:16:21,670 --> 00:16:25,160 on nations with common values . David . 327 00:16:25,540 --> 00:16:28,900 Uh as as is all of our 328 00:16:28,910 --> 00:16:32,090 alliances and partnerships across the 329 00:16:32,090 --> 00:16:35,200 region . Uh those countries that have a 330 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:37,660 deep belief in their sovereignty , 331 00:16:38,540 --> 00:16:41,970 freedom for all their citizens of 332 00:16:42,340 --> 00:16:44,770 and understanding that all nations big 333 00:16:44,770 --> 00:16:47,560 and small , have an equal voice in 334 00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:50,910 conflict resolution , the rule of 335 00:16:50,910 --> 00:16:54,750 law and dedication to freedom of the 336 00:16:54,750 --> 00:16:57,260 seas , the global commons and human 337 00:16:57,260 --> 00:16:59,630 rights for all of their citizens . So 338 00:16:59,630 --> 00:17:02,660 it's critical to know that the quad is 339 00:17:02,670 --> 00:17:04,980 one set of nations with those common 340 00:17:04,980 --> 00:17:07,091 values , but there's others . Right ? 341 00:17:07,091 --> 00:17:09,800 So the Asean nations , the trilateral 342 00:17:09,800 --> 00:17:11,800 relationship we have with Japan and 343 00:17:11,800 --> 00:17:14,022 Korea . But to your point , the quad is 344 00:17:14,022 --> 00:17:15,967 extremely important and I'm really 345 00:17:15,967 --> 00:17:18,540 encouraged when we talk about the 346 00:17:18,540 --> 00:17:20,484 world's largest democracies coming 347 00:17:20,484 --> 00:17:23,140 together with common values to ensure 348 00:17:23,140 --> 00:17:25,460 peace and stability in the region . 349 00:17:26,540 --> 00:17:30,310 Especially encouraged as it applies to 350 00:17:30,310 --> 00:17:34,290 our uh most recent operations 351 00:17:34,290 --> 00:17:37,740 together militarily exercise 352 00:17:37,740 --> 00:17:40,250 malabar , which is a critical event for 353 00:17:40,260 --> 00:17:43,770 India in the last iteration . The 354 00:17:44,340 --> 00:17:47,880 uh very graciously 355 00:17:47,880 --> 00:17:50,560 invited . Not only the United States , 356 00:17:51,140 --> 00:17:53,440 but Japan and Australia took to 357 00:17:53,440 --> 00:17:56,290 participate and I believe it was a huge 358 00:17:56,290 --> 00:17:59,360 success and it will pave the way for 359 00:17:59,940 --> 00:18:03,220 additional and more frequent military 360 00:18:03,220 --> 00:18:06,620 operations with the quad . You also see 361 00:18:06,620 --> 00:18:08,676 the importance placed on the quad by 362 00:18:08,676 --> 00:18:10,250 Secretary Austin and this 363 00:18:10,250 --> 00:18:13,760 administration . Uh I look forward to 364 00:18:13,770 --> 00:18:16,480 much more interaction and then the 365 00:18:16,480 --> 00:18:18,940 continued expansion and increased 366 00:18:18,950 --> 00:18:22,930 efforts through the quad . Let me ask 367 00:18:22,930 --> 00:18:26,340 a specific question that is coming up 368 00:18:26,350 --> 00:18:29,970 increasingly and that is given the 369 00:18:29,980 --> 00:18:32,740 success of the quad . There's a growing 370 00:18:32,740 --> 00:18:35,620 desire , the part of other countries to 371 00:18:35,620 --> 00:18:38,570 be part of it , to join it in a formal 372 00:18:38,570 --> 00:18:41,050 way is new Zealand might or to be 373 00:18:41,840 --> 00:18:45,220 in effect partners from 374 00:18:45,230 --> 00:18:47,680 a military standpoint , giving your 375 00:18:47,680 --> 00:18:49,847 best military advice . Do you think it 376 00:18:49,847 --> 00:18:52,550 would be wise to do that to augment the 377 00:18:52,550 --> 00:18:54,810 quad in those ways ? Or should we keep 378 00:18:54,810 --> 00:18:58,370 it pretty much as is ? But David , what 379 00:18:58,370 --> 00:19:00,650 I would say is that uh , that will be a 380 00:19:00,650 --> 00:19:04,070 question for the leaders of the nation 381 00:19:04,080 --> 00:19:07,080 in the quad again , each with an equal 382 00:19:07,080 --> 00:19:09,410 voice , each with their own national 383 00:19:09,410 --> 00:19:11,521 views on whether or not that would be 384 00:19:11,521 --> 00:19:13,688 beneficial . I think what I would tell 385 00:19:13,688 --> 00:19:16,200 you is since I've taken over , you know , 386 00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:19,540 I've challenged my team to think act 387 00:19:19,540 --> 00:19:21,762 and operate differently in this day and 388 00:19:21,762 --> 00:19:25,120 age and what I think that means as it 389 00:19:25,120 --> 00:19:28,750 applies to allies and partners is I am 390 00:19:28,750 --> 00:19:32,040 very supportive of additional 391 00:19:32,040 --> 00:19:35,760 multilateral events in any 392 00:19:35,760 --> 00:19:37,950 area where our partners want to come 393 00:19:37,950 --> 00:19:40,900 into the area and be able to operate 394 00:19:40,900 --> 00:19:43,178 together whether it's for a short time , 395 00:19:43,540 --> 00:19:45,890 whether it's bilaterally or with 396 00:19:45,890 --> 00:19:48,270 multiple nations in a multilateral 397 00:19:48,270 --> 00:19:52,040 forum . All those are 398 00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:54,740 interesting and I support all of those 399 00:19:54,740 --> 00:19:57,820 actions , but each nation uh , gets to 400 00:19:57,820 --> 00:20:00,370 have a voice and we do everything 401 00:20:00,370 --> 00:20:03,260 possible to ensure that both the 402 00:20:03,260 --> 00:20:05,700 objectives of every nation are taken 403 00:20:05,700 --> 00:20:07,811 into account when we work at planning 404 00:20:07,811 --> 00:20:10,840 these operations and exercise . I look 405 00:20:10,840 --> 00:20:14,740 forward to next year in 406 00:20:14,740 --> 00:20:17,490 a post covid , hopefully world where we 407 00:20:17,490 --> 00:20:19,434 can execute the rim of the pacific 408 00:20:19,434 --> 00:20:21,760 exercise right ? So the largest 409 00:20:22,440 --> 00:20:26,270 military maritime exercise in the world , 410 00:20:27,140 --> 00:20:30,770 uh , We look forward India came 411 00:20:31,440 --> 00:20:34,030 to the last one that was executed in 412 00:20:34,030 --> 00:20:37,180 person as did all the other co 413 00:20:37,180 --> 00:20:39,347 ordinations , as did most of the Asean 414 00:20:39,347 --> 00:20:43,150 nations , as did many of the West Coast 415 00:20:43,150 --> 00:20:45,860 nations . And I'm also encouraged by 416 00:20:45,860 --> 00:20:48,970 the EU nations . I'm encouraged by the 417 00:20:48,970 --> 00:20:52,440 United Kingdom operating with Queen 418 00:20:52,440 --> 00:20:55,160 Elizabeth in this theater . Our 419 00:20:55,160 --> 00:20:57,271 partners from France have been here , 420 00:20:57,640 --> 00:21:00,440 partners from Germany , the carrier 421 00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:02,700 strike group . Queen Elizabeth has a 422 00:21:02,710 --> 00:21:05,490 dutch ship in company and a U . S . 423 00:21:05,490 --> 00:21:08,530 Shipping company combined with U . S . 424 00:21:08,540 --> 00:21:11,510 F . 30 five's onboard her deck . I 425 00:21:11,510 --> 00:21:13,720 think that's what right looks like in 426 00:21:13,720 --> 00:21:15,720 the future . And that is those like 427 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:17,609 minded nations with common values 428 00:21:18,140 --> 00:21:20,330 coming together to ensure the 429 00:21:20,340 --> 00:21:22,284 international rules based order is 430 00:21:22,284 --> 00:21:25,500 maintained for prosperity For all 431 00:21:25,500 --> 00:21:29,010 nations . Ask you about a 432 00:21:29,020 --> 00:21:32,030 specific issue 433 00:21:32,040 --> 00:21:35,780 for you as commander and for the 434 00:21:35,780 --> 00:21:38,210 entire region and that's the south 435 00:21:38,210 --> 00:21:41,950 china sea . Could you describe the 436 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:45,750 nature of your efforts as commander 437 00:21:45,760 --> 00:21:49,760 to make sure that freedom of navigation 438 00:21:49,770 --> 00:21:53,070 prevails to make sure the chinese 439 00:21:53,080 --> 00:21:55,790 efforts to project power don't go 440 00:21:55,790 --> 00:21:59,100 beyond what's permissible . How are you 441 00:21:59,110 --> 00:22:02,150 looking at the south China sea and what 442 00:22:02,150 --> 00:22:04,380 are some specific things that you and 443 00:22:04,380 --> 00:22:07,380 end up a calmer doing to deal with that 444 00:22:07,380 --> 00:22:08,380 problem ? 445 00:22:21,640 --> 00:22:23,696 I got you . Now my bed on the button 446 00:22:23,696 --> 00:22:25,918 start . I think it's important David to 447 00:22:25,918 --> 00:22:28,029 hit the importance of the south china 448 00:22:28,029 --> 00:22:30,330 sea . And when I say that , I mean 449 00:22:30,330 --> 00:22:32,497 globally and for all nations , right . 450 00:22:32,497 --> 00:22:34,719 We just talked about the EU . We talked 451 00:22:34,719 --> 00:22:36,941 about the regional nations . You know , 452 00:22:36,941 --> 00:22:40,060 25% of all global trade flows through 453 00:22:40,060 --> 00:22:44,060 the south china state . Now 454 00:22:44,060 --> 00:22:46,282 that may sound like just a number , but 455 00:22:46,282 --> 00:22:48,504 that's pretty important as we look at a 456 00:22:48,504 --> 00:22:50,616 globalized economy and prosperity for 457 00:22:50,616 --> 00:22:52,616 all nations , A third of all liquid 458 00:22:52,616 --> 00:22:56,150 national natural gas flows through the 459 00:22:56,150 --> 00:22:59,520 south china sea at numerous 460 00:22:59,520 --> 00:23:02,950 resources for those ordering nations 461 00:23:03,340 --> 00:23:05,562 that they rely on to include fishing to 462 00:23:05,562 --> 00:23:09,050 feed their people , so that it's 463 00:23:09,050 --> 00:23:11,950 critically important for all nations . 464 00:23:12,940 --> 00:23:15,790 As I said , just previously , the 465 00:23:15,800 --> 00:23:18,220 unlawful claim to the entire south 466 00:23:18,220 --> 00:23:22,060 china sea threatens all of that . 467 00:23:23,340 --> 00:23:25,451 So when we talk about the south china 468 00:23:25,451 --> 00:23:28,120 sea , understanding the importance that 469 00:23:28,130 --> 00:23:30,680 is critical . Now to reduce those 470 00:23:30,680 --> 00:23:33,660 tensions , we spend a lot of time with 471 00:23:33,660 --> 00:23:36,670 our allies and partners to ensure that 472 00:23:36,670 --> 00:23:38,837 the international rules based order is 473 00:23:38,837 --> 00:23:42,130 maintained and unlawful claims don't go 474 00:23:42,130 --> 00:23:46,120 without challenge . But the chinese 475 00:23:46,200 --> 00:23:49,270 just recently unilaterally renamed 476 00:23:50,940 --> 00:23:54,760 80 geographic features in the area 477 00:23:55,440 --> 00:23:57,662 with an inherent claim that goes with . 478 00:23:59,440 --> 00:24:03,220 Uh That's just counter to what all of 479 00:24:03,220 --> 00:24:07,060 the nations in the region would expect , 480 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:09,551 believe in what they need to maintain 481 00:24:09,551 --> 00:24:12,900 their prosperity . Uh So the U . S . Is 482 00:24:12,900 --> 00:24:15,122 a pacific nation . We've been operating 483 00:24:15,440 --> 00:24:19,010 in this theater For over 80 484 00:24:19,010 --> 00:24:21,130 years and longer than that . But 485 00:24:21,130 --> 00:24:23,270 certainly in the post World War Two 486 00:24:23,740 --> 00:24:26,120 environment and that international 487 00:24:26,120 --> 00:24:29,080 national rules based order has enabled 488 00:24:29,090 --> 00:24:31,460 all to prosper , including china . 489 00:24:33,440 --> 00:24:37,300 So this attempt to restate what uh 490 00:24:37,310 --> 00:24:41,050 a revisionist history view of claims 491 00:24:41,540 --> 00:24:44,030 is just counter to everything that 492 00:24:44,030 --> 00:24:46,670 those nations with common values I 493 00:24:46,680 --> 00:24:50,280 believe . And we will operate here to 494 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:52,447 ensure that that freedom of navigation 495 00:24:52,447 --> 00:24:55,650 for all is maintained and that we will 496 00:24:55,650 --> 00:24:58,670 preserve the stability and peace to an 497 00:24:58,670 --> 00:25:02,520 order shared prosperity . That's 498 00:25:02,520 --> 00:25:04,742 a that's a helpful answer . I have just 499 00:25:04,742 --> 00:25:06,909 one more question from for me and then 500 00:25:06,909 --> 00:25:08,798 I want to turn to a member of our 501 00:25:08,798 --> 00:25:12,630 audience for a final question . My 502 00:25:12,630 --> 00:25:15,560 my last question Admiral is about North 503 00:25:15,560 --> 00:25:17,470 Korea . And I just would ask you 504 00:25:17,470 --> 00:25:20,760 briefly for your military assessment as 505 00:25:20,760 --> 00:25:23,270 combat commander about the North korean 506 00:25:23,280 --> 00:25:26,450 threat as you see it today right now . 507 00:25:26,460 --> 00:25:29,170 Uh 2021 . 508 00:25:30,840 --> 00:25:33,440 Well , David as we identified North 509 00:25:33,440 --> 00:25:36,760 Korea is certainly security challenge 510 00:25:36,770 --> 00:25:40,540 in this theater . Uh I just 511 00:25:40,540 --> 00:25:43,150 got back from south Korea where I got 512 00:25:43,150 --> 00:25:47,050 to visit my counterpart and militarily 513 00:25:47,740 --> 00:25:51,220 the U . S . Rock alliance is strong and 514 00:25:51,230 --> 00:25:54,580 ironclad . Our commitment with that 515 00:25:54,580 --> 00:25:58,330 treaty ally has been the foundation for 516 00:25:58,330 --> 00:26:02,120 peace and stability on the peninsula as 517 00:26:02,120 --> 00:26:04,910 we work towards a 518 00:26:04,920 --> 00:26:08,390 denuclearized peninsula as the common 519 00:26:08,390 --> 00:26:11,840 goal from the military aspects . The 520 00:26:11,840 --> 00:26:15,350 alliance as well as the strength that 521 00:26:15,350 --> 00:26:19,130 we have in the region enables the US 522 00:26:19,130 --> 00:26:21,400 government to do diplomacy from a 523 00:26:21,400 --> 00:26:23,622 position of strength and I think that's 524 00:26:23,622 --> 00:26:27,430 what I would do my role as a part of 525 00:26:27,430 --> 00:26:30,660 this . So the alliance maintains the 526 00:26:30,660 --> 00:26:34,200 stability . It highlights our 527 00:26:34,200 --> 00:26:36,960 commitment to our allies and partners . 528 00:26:37,440 --> 00:26:40,730 And it enables Secretary Blinken and 529 00:26:40,730 --> 00:26:42,860 the administration to take on the 530 00:26:42,860 --> 00:26:45,330 actions towards our common goal of a 531 00:26:45,330 --> 00:26:47,760 denuclearized and peaceful peninsula . 532 00:26:49,340 --> 00:26:52,560 So let me for a final question turned 533 00:26:52,560 --> 00:26:55,770 to a member of our audience who I'm 534 00:26:55,770 --> 00:26:58,140 told has a question . Uh Andrea 535 00:26:58,150 --> 00:27:01,240 Thompson if Andrea is here and can 536 00:27:01,240 --> 00:27:03,500 switch on her camera and mic please go 537 00:27:03,500 --> 00:27:05,860 ahead with your question . You bet . 538 00:27:07,540 --> 00:27:09,980 Thanks David . And uh Admiral thanks so 539 00:27:09,980 --> 00:27:11,750 much for carving out time this 540 00:27:11,750 --> 00:27:13,680 afternoon and uh this morning and 541 00:27:13,680 --> 00:27:16,280 pacific so as we've talked about , you 542 00:27:16,280 --> 00:27:18,280 know , the end of pacific region so 543 00:27:18,280 --> 00:27:20,391 vital to the U . S . S . Future . And 544 00:27:20,391 --> 00:27:22,447 as you've noted , it's going to take 545 00:27:22,447 --> 00:27:24,750 all elements of national power working 546 00:27:24,750 --> 00:27:26,861 together with our partners and allies 547 00:27:26,861 --> 00:27:29,140 to do that . Can you share your insight 548 00:27:29,150 --> 00:27:31,317 on the pacific deterrence initiative , 549 00:27:31,440 --> 00:27:33,190 specifically improving our 550 00:27:33,190 --> 00:27:36,490 interoperability of our systems ? Uh so 551 00:27:36,490 --> 00:27:38,712 when when we have to fight and win with 552 00:27:38,712 --> 00:27:40,823 our partners and allies , what can we 553 00:27:40,823 --> 00:27:42,823 do to evolve those policies to make 554 00:27:42,823 --> 00:27:45,046 sure they're getting the equipment they 555 00:27:45,046 --> 00:27:47,268 need and really built towards yours and 556 00:27:47,268 --> 00:27:47,260 the secretary's vision for the 557 00:27:47,260 --> 00:27:49,371 integrated deterrence . And thanks so 558 00:27:49,371 --> 00:27:52,860 much . Thank you for the question . Um 559 00:27:53,940 --> 00:27:56,107 I think what I would say is the entire 560 00:27:56,107 --> 00:27:58,380 defense budget has to be looked at as 561 00:27:58,380 --> 00:28:02,340 we execute . Mhm . Interoperability and 562 00:28:02,340 --> 00:28:04,396 as you highlighted , it's incredibly 563 00:28:04,396 --> 00:28:06,562 important . Right ? So the strength of 564 00:28:06,562 --> 00:28:08,729 our allies and partners through common 565 00:28:08,729 --> 00:28:12,330 values uh is enhanced by our ability to 566 00:28:12,340 --> 00:28:15,750 operate together and the best way to be 567 00:28:15,750 --> 00:28:18,970 interoperable is to operate with US 568 00:28:18,970 --> 00:28:21,081 equipment . And that's aside from the 569 00:28:21,081 --> 00:28:23,414 fact that it's the finest on the planet . 570 00:28:23,840 --> 00:28:27,600 So uh we are able to come 571 00:28:27,600 --> 00:28:29,489 together on short notice with our 572 00:28:29,489 --> 00:28:31,600 allies and partners across the region 573 00:28:32,340 --> 00:28:34,720 that we are able to communicate quickly 574 00:28:34,720 --> 00:28:37,240 operate at the high end and that is all 575 00:28:37,240 --> 00:28:39,650 based on interoperability . So no 576 00:28:39,650 --> 00:28:42,120 matter the funding stream , we continue 577 00:28:42,120 --> 00:28:44,560 to advocate for our allies and partners 578 00:28:44,560 --> 00:28:48,460 to purchased and utilize U . 579 00:28:48,460 --> 00:28:51,300 S . Equipment . We see it successful 580 00:28:51,300 --> 00:28:53,510 across the region . Just for one 581 00:28:53,510 --> 00:28:57,090 example , the P . A . Program through 582 00:28:57,090 --> 00:28:59,201 the lens of maritime domain awareness 583 00:28:59,201 --> 00:29:01,790 and anti submarine warfare , many of 584 00:29:01,790 --> 00:29:03,960 our allies and partners are flying the 585 00:29:03,960 --> 00:29:06,950 P eight and we can instantaneously come 586 00:29:06,950 --> 00:29:09,006 together , share information , share 587 00:29:09,006 --> 00:29:11,560 data and be effective yeah , in the 588 00:29:11,560 --> 00:29:13,616 region . And that applies throughout 589 00:29:13,616 --> 00:29:16,830 whether it be the US Army equipment 590 00:29:16,840 --> 00:29:19,990 where the Air Force equipment , navy 591 00:29:19,990 --> 00:29:22,046 equipment , Marine Corps equipment , 592 00:29:22,046 --> 00:29:25,170 Coast Guard equipment . Uh it's just 593 00:29:25,170 --> 00:29:27,392 the best way to ensure interoperability 594 00:29:27,392 --> 00:29:30,570 and make our nation's most effective in 595 00:29:30,570 --> 00:29:31,959 the military dimension . 596 00:29:35,340 --> 00:29:38,710 So this is David . I just want to 597 00:29:38,720 --> 00:29:41,030 apologize for many members of the 598 00:29:41,030 --> 00:29:43,960 audience who asked some excellent 599 00:29:43,960 --> 00:29:46,130 questions in the in the chat stream 600 00:29:46,130 --> 00:29:49,670 were out of time for this session and 601 00:29:49,670 --> 00:29:51,892 I'll turn it back to annual onion . But 602 00:29:51,892 --> 00:29:54,114 I want to just thank Admiral . Actually 603 00:29:54,114 --> 00:29:56,650 know for being with us for talking 604 00:29:56,650 --> 00:29:58,750 about his command and the issues he 605 00:29:58,750 --> 00:30:00,861 faces . Thank you so much . Admiral . 606 00:30:01,540 --> 00:30:03,540 Thank you . David . Look forward to 607 00:30:03,540 --> 00:30:05,873 seeing you sometime soon . Thanks . Yes , 608 00:30:05,873 --> 00:30:06,350 sir . Okay , back .