1 00:00:03,630 --> 00:00:05,741 All right , good afternoon , everyone 2 00:00:06,469 --> 00:00:08,691 afternoon . So just a few things at the 3 00:00:08,691 --> 00:00:10,858 top and then happy to dive in and take 4 00:00:10,858 --> 00:00:12,636 your questions . This morning , 5 00:00:12,636 --> 00:00:14,858 Secretary Austin departed for Hawaii as 6 00:00:14,858 --> 00:00:17,025 the United States continues to deliver 7 00:00:17,025 --> 00:00:19,025 on our shared regional vision for a 8 00:00:19,025 --> 00:00:21,379 free and open Indo Pacific working 9 00:00:21,389 --> 00:00:23,500 together with our partners and allies 10 00:00:23,500 --> 00:00:25,611 in the region . Secretary Austin will 11 00:00:25,611 --> 00:00:27,833 preside over the US Indo Pacific change 12 00:00:27,833 --> 00:00:29,611 of command between Admiral John 13 00:00:29,690 --> 00:00:32,560 Aquilino and Admiral Sam Pao . I will 14 00:00:32,569 --> 00:00:34,680 leave the full accolades to Secretary 15 00:00:34,680 --> 00:00:36,902 Austin tomorrow that he will deliver in 16 00:00:36,902 --> 00:00:38,902 his remarks . But the department is 17 00:00:38,902 --> 00:00:41,013 very grateful to Admiral Aquilino for 18 00:00:41,013 --> 00:00:43,125 his decades of service to the US Navy 19 00:00:43,125 --> 00:00:45,458 and to the United States also in Hawaii . 20 00:00:45,458 --> 00:00:47,625 Secretary Austin will meet bilaterally 21 00:00:47,625 --> 00:00:49,736 with Australian Deputy Prime Minister 22 00:00:49,736 --> 00:00:51,736 and Minister for Defense Morals and 23 00:00:51,736 --> 00:00:53,791 Japanese Minister of Defense Khara , 24 00:00:54,439 --> 00:00:56,459 the three leaders will also convene 25 00:00:56,470 --> 00:00:58,359 together for a trilateral defense 26 00:00:58,359 --> 00:01:01,020 ministerial meeting . And finally , 27 00:01:01,029 --> 00:01:02,862 Philippine Secretary of National 28 00:01:02,862 --> 00:01:05,569 Defense Teodoro will join for the 29 00:01:05,580 --> 00:01:07,580 second ever multilateral meeting of 30 00:01:07,580 --> 00:01:09,524 defense Ministers from Australia , 31 00:01:09,524 --> 00:01:11,691 Japan , the Philippines and the United 32 00:01:11,691 --> 00:01:13,980 States . Each meeting will cover a 33 00:01:13,989 --> 00:01:16,156 range of important topics on deepening 34 00:01:16,156 --> 00:01:18,156 defense and security ties among our 35 00:01:18,156 --> 00:01:20,169 nations . And of course , Secretary 36 00:01:20,180 --> 00:01:22,291 Austin will meet with service members 37 00:01:22,291 --> 00:01:24,402 supporting the Indo Pacific Theater . 38 00:01:24,402 --> 00:01:26,291 We will have more on all of these 39 00:01:26,291 --> 00:01:28,610 meetings in the days ahead , switching 40 00:01:28,620 --> 00:01:31,069 theaters . This year marks the 20th 41 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:33,080 anniversary of us Africa Command's 42 00:01:33,089 --> 00:01:35,200 premier and largest annual exercise , 43 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:38,709 African Lion 27 nations alongside NATO 44 00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:40,442 will contribute more than 8000 45 00:01:40,449 --> 00:01:42,769 personnel to participate in African 46 00:01:42,779 --> 00:01:45,949 Lion 2024 which takes place in Ghana , 47 00:01:45,959 --> 00:01:48,529 Morocco , Senegal and Tunisia from 48 00:01:48,540 --> 00:01:52,500 April 29th through May 31st . African 49 00:01:52,510 --> 00:01:54,732 Lion provides an opportunity to conduct 50 00:01:54,732 --> 00:01:56,849 realistic dynamic and collaborative 51 00:01:56,860 --> 00:01:58,660 readiness training in austere 52 00:01:58,669 --> 00:02:01,279 environments . African Lion increases 53 00:02:01,290 --> 00:02:03,512 interoperability and strengthens shared 54 00:02:03,512 --> 00:02:05,349 defense capabilities and cooper 55 00:02:05,360 --> 00:02:07,304 operation to counter transnational 56 00:02:07,304 --> 00:02:08,971 threats and violent extremist 57 00:02:08,971 --> 00:02:11,449 organizations . The exercise is a 58 00:02:11,458 --> 00:02:13,125 testament to the dedication , 59 00:02:13,125 --> 00:02:15,347 participants have to enhancing security 60 00:02:15,347 --> 00:02:17,514 and collaboration across the continent 61 00:02:17,649 --> 00:02:20,270 and staying in the A Aor US Naval 62 00:02:20,279 --> 00:02:22,449 Forces , Africa , us Marine Corps 63 00:02:22,460 --> 00:02:25,080 Forces , Africa and the Ghana Navy are 64 00:02:25,089 --> 00:02:27,089 leading the African Maritime Forces 65 00:02:27,089 --> 00:02:29,869 Summit and Naval Infantry leadership 66 00:02:29,880 --> 00:02:32,339 symposium , Africa this week in Accra , 67 00:02:32,350 --> 00:02:35,250 Ghana military chiefs and governmental 68 00:02:35,259 --> 00:02:37,259 leaders from more than 40 countries 69 00:02:37,259 --> 00:02:39,229 including 30 African nations are 70 00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:41,462 participating in a series of panels and 71 00:02:41,462 --> 00:02:43,684 focused discussions concerning maritime 72 00:02:43,684 --> 00:02:45,949 security and collaboration . These 73 00:02:45,960 --> 00:02:47,793 discussions and connections will 74 00:02:47,793 --> 00:02:50,016 improve interoperability across domains 75 00:02:50,016 --> 00:02:51,738 and continents , strengthening 76 00:02:51,738 --> 00:02:53,849 strategic level relationships to help 77 00:02:53,849 --> 00:02:55,738 facilitate better regional cooper 78 00:02:55,738 --> 00:02:57,793 operation when dealing with maritime 79 00:02:57,793 --> 00:02:59,960 threats . And with that , I'd be happy 80 00:02:59,960 --> 00:03:02,071 to take your questions . I'm gonna go 81 00:03:02,071 --> 00:03:01,210 to the phones first because we have 82 00:03:01,220 --> 00:03:03,276 Lita Baldor joining us virtually and 83 00:03:03,276 --> 00:03:05,609 then we'll come in the room . So , Lita , 84 00:03:06,979 --> 00:03:09,279 thanks Sabrina . Um Can you bring us up 85 00:03:09,289 --> 00:03:12,320 to date on the construction and uh 86 00:03:12,330 --> 00:03:15,100 ongoing process involving the pier um 87 00:03:15,110 --> 00:03:17,550 off Gaza ? And can you give us any 88 00:03:17,559 --> 00:03:21,479 sense when they might start 89 00:03:21,490 --> 00:03:24,960 any movement of humanitarian aid to the 90 00:03:24,970 --> 00:03:27,449 pier or at least through the inspection 91 00:03:27,460 --> 00:03:29,910 process ? Yep . Thanks Lida for the 92 00:03:29,919 --> 00:03:32,259 question . So , um in terms of an 93 00:03:32,270 --> 00:03:36,089 update on J Lots . Um so as of 94 00:03:36,100 --> 00:03:39,889 today , uh we are over 50% complete on 95 00:03:39,899 --> 00:03:42,330 setting up the pier . The floating pier , 96 00:03:42,339 --> 00:03:44,450 you , you'll remember there are a few 97 00:03:44,450 --> 00:03:46,561 different components to this pier and 98 00:03:46,561 --> 00:03:49,470 the J Lots um operation , the floating 99 00:03:49,479 --> 00:03:52,789 pier has been um completely constructed 100 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:55,830 and set up the causeway is in progress . 101 00:03:55,839 --> 00:03:58,789 Um So in terms of uh date of delivery , 102 00:03:58,800 --> 00:04:01,899 we've said from the beginning uh early 103 00:04:01,910 --> 00:04:04,949 May , um we still believe that we're on 104 00:04:04,960 --> 00:04:07,071 track to meet that , but I don't have 105 00:04:07,071 --> 00:04:08,738 an exact date for you on when 106 00:04:08,738 --> 00:04:10,960 humanitarian aid , when we're gonna see 107 00:04:10,960 --> 00:04:13,182 those first trucks going into Gaza . Um 108 00:04:13,182 --> 00:04:15,516 But as soon as I have that date for you , 109 00:04:15,516 --> 00:04:17,627 um we are of course going to keep you 110 00:04:17,627 --> 00:04:19,738 updated on that . All right . Come in 111 00:04:19,738 --> 00:04:21,849 the room to um along the lines of the 112 00:04:21,849 --> 00:04:24,071 pier . Uh Do we have any sense of which 113 00:04:24,071 --> 00:04:26,071 country would be driving the trucks 114 00:04:26,071 --> 00:04:28,182 along the causeway to the beach ? And 115 00:04:28,182 --> 00:04:30,293 once the trucks get to the beach . Is 116 00:04:30,293 --> 00:04:32,460 that the World Food Program ? It'll be 117 00:04:32,460 --> 00:04:34,890 distributing the aid . Uh Thanks Tom 118 00:04:34,899 --> 00:04:37,066 for the question . So , in terms of um 119 00:04:37,066 --> 00:04:39,288 distribution on the ground , uh it will 120 00:04:39,288 --> 00:04:41,566 be the UN that is distributing the aid . 121 00:04:41,566 --> 00:04:44,109 Um But for more on that , for more on 122 00:04:44,119 --> 00:04:46,230 that , I would direct you more to the 123 00:04:46,230 --> 00:04:48,063 UN to speak to that . Um Again , 124 00:04:48,063 --> 00:04:50,286 they'll be the ones on the ground doing 125 00:04:50,286 --> 00:04:52,508 that , that work . Um , in terms of the 126 00:04:52,508 --> 00:04:54,675 drivers , as we've said , it will be a 127 00:04:54,675 --> 00:04:57,399 third party . Um , some parties don't 128 00:04:57,410 --> 00:04:59,632 necessarily want to be named publicly . 129 00:04:59,632 --> 00:05:01,854 I'd let others speak to that . Um , but 130 00:05:01,854 --> 00:05:04,077 right now , I can just tell you that it 131 00:05:04,077 --> 00:05:06,354 was , it will be a third party and not , 132 00:05:06,354 --> 00:05:08,577 um , us forces driving those trucks off 133 00:05:08,577 --> 00:05:10,230 the pier and hi . So , uh , 134 00:05:10,239 --> 00:05:12,239 clarification on that , who's gonna 135 00:05:12,239 --> 00:05:14,461 provide the security for the World Food 136 00:05:14,461 --> 00:05:16,239 Program workers ? Are , is that 137 00:05:16,239 --> 00:05:18,295 clarified yet ? Is that gonna be the 138 00:05:18,295 --> 00:05:20,406 Israeli Defense Force ? And then also 139 00:05:20,406 --> 00:05:22,406 the , um , the Israelis , have they 140 00:05:22,406 --> 00:05:24,899 given you any assurance on if they've 141 00:05:24,910 --> 00:05:27,579 changed their rules of engagement on , 142 00:05:27,920 --> 00:05:30,031 uh , to prevent another strike on aid 143 00:05:30,031 --> 00:05:32,253 workers ? Are there any assurances that 144 00:05:32,253 --> 00:05:34,309 that's not gonna happen again ? What 145 00:05:34,309 --> 00:05:36,531 happened a month ago ? So in terms of , 146 00:05:36,531 --> 00:05:36,125 I think you're referring to what 147 00:05:36,135 --> 00:05:38,357 happened to the world's central kitchen 148 00:05:38,357 --> 00:05:40,475 workers . Um You know , we have seen 149 00:05:40,484 --> 00:05:43,394 the ID F take some steps um , to 150 00:05:43,404 --> 00:05:45,237 prevent something like that from 151 00:05:45,237 --> 00:05:46,960 happening . We have also their 152 00:05:46,960 --> 00:05:48,960 investigation that we are reviewing 153 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:51,285 ourselves . Um And that is an 154 00:05:51,415 --> 00:05:53,637 interagency effort . So I don't have uh 155 00:05:53,637 --> 00:05:55,804 more to share with you on where we are 156 00:05:55,804 --> 00:05:57,971 and you know , reading out our um sort 157 00:05:57,971 --> 00:06:00,082 of assessment of that investigation , 158 00:06:00,082 --> 00:06:02,309 but the ID F has shown that they are , 159 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:04,487 they are taking steps to , to mitigate 160 00:06:04,487 --> 00:06:06,598 that from happening again . Um As you 161 00:06:06,598 --> 00:06:08,098 know , we've also set up a 162 00:06:08,098 --> 00:06:10,320 deconfliction cell . Um So that is very 163 00:06:10,320 --> 00:06:12,376 important to ensure that aid workers 164 00:06:12,376 --> 00:06:14,542 are given the protective security that 165 00:06:14,542 --> 00:06:16,376 they need to move within Gaza to 166 00:06:16,376 --> 00:06:18,598 distribute that aid . Um US forces will 167 00:06:18,598 --> 00:06:20,653 not be on the ground . So that is um 168 00:06:20,653 --> 00:06:22,764 the ID F will be leading the security 169 00:06:22,764 --> 00:06:24,709 efforts on the ground when it also 170 00:06:24,709 --> 00:06:26,876 comes to that distribution great or at 171 00:06:26,876 --> 00:06:29,529 this point for the US assets involved 172 00:06:29,540 --> 00:06:31,484 in the construction . Are us force 173 00:06:31,484 --> 00:06:33,707 protection measures in place ? Are they 174 00:06:33,707 --> 00:06:35,984 en route or or where does that process ? 175 00:06:35,984 --> 00:06:38,318 So as you can appreciate , we of course , 176 00:06:38,318 --> 00:06:40,373 are , as the secretary has said many 177 00:06:40,373 --> 00:06:42,484 times before he force protection very 178 00:06:42,484 --> 00:06:44,596 seriously . So , uh while I won't get 179 00:06:44,596 --> 00:06:46,762 into our own force protection , um our 180 00:06:46,762 --> 00:06:48,984 assets are en route , they are going to 181 00:06:48,984 --> 00:06:51,255 be ready to set up . Um and , and stab 182 00:06:51,265 --> 00:06:53,535 that Gaza coastline when , when that 183 00:06:53,545 --> 00:06:56,959 causeway is fully uh constructed . 184 00:06:57,190 --> 00:06:59,134 Um but I just won't get into those 185 00:06:59,134 --> 00:07:01,357 specific force protection measures that 186 00:07:01,357 --> 00:07:03,412 we are taking right now . And as you 187 00:07:03,412 --> 00:07:05,412 know that the Id F has given us our 188 00:07:05,412 --> 00:07:07,357 their assurances that they will be 189 00:07:07,357 --> 00:07:09,523 providing security for our forces once 190 00:07:09,523 --> 00:07:11,801 that pier and Causeway are operational , 191 00:07:11,801 --> 00:07:13,746 you said our assets are en route . 192 00:07:13,746 --> 00:07:15,801 Obviously , some are there . Can you 193 00:07:15,801 --> 00:07:18,023 detail what is still en route ? I would 194 00:07:18,023 --> 00:07:20,190 direct you to Centcom to speak more to 195 00:07:20,190 --> 00:07:22,412 the assets that are , that are moving . 196 00:07:22,412 --> 00:07:24,634 Again , this is involving two different 197 00:07:24,634 --> 00:07:26,690 uh co coms between U com and central 198 00:07:26,690 --> 00:07:28,412 command as well as Transcom is 199 00:07:28,412 --> 00:07:30,579 providing the assets . So , um I would 200 00:07:30,579 --> 00:07:30,480 direct you to Centcom for more specific 201 00:07:30,489 --> 00:07:33,359 details on on the where ships are . Um 202 00:07:33,369 --> 00:07:35,369 I'm gonna go to the phones and then 203 00:07:35,369 --> 00:07:37,829 come back in the room . Uh JJ Green WTO 204 00:07:37,850 --> 00:07:38,079 P 205 00:07:44,420 --> 00:07:48,200 so , ok , if not , uh Dan la Moth 206 00:07:48,209 --> 00:07:51,079 Washington Post . Hi , Sabrina . Thanks 207 00:07:51,089 --> 00:07:54,209 for your time . Sorry about that . 208 00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:57,256 Back to you . We'll go to JJ first . 209 00:07:57,549 --> 00:08:00,170 That's fine . I'm sorry . Um 210 00:08:00,910 --> 00:08:03,021 Russia is trying to take advantage of 211 00:08:03,021 --> 00:08:05,829 the gap between approval of the weapons 212 00:08:05,839 --> 00:08:08,061 package that's intended for Ukraine and 213 00:08:08,061 --> 00:08:10,228 the actual delivery of these weapons . 214 00:08:10,228 --> 00:08:12,061 We've seen a number of different 215 00:08:12,061 --> 00:08:14,839 attacks in places that are very 216 00:08:14,850 --> 00:08:16,850 vulnerable right now and we've also 217 00:08:16,850 --> 00:08:19,017 heard from the Ukrainian military that 218 00:08:19,017 --> 00:08:21,183 they know that these weapons are going 219 00:08:21,183 --> 00:08:21,049 to make a difference and Russia knows 220 00:08:21,059 --> 00:08:23,115 it . So can you give us an update on 221 00:08:23,115 --> 00:08:25,690 the delivery of weapons and , and , and , 222 00:08:25,700 --> 00:08:27,867 and items that this package would make 223 00:08:27,867 --> 00:08:29,978 it available for them ? Thanks JJ for 224 00:08:29,978 --> 00:08:32,229 the question . Um , as soon as we were 225 00:08:32,239 --> 00:08:34,989 able to announce that $1 billion PD A , 226 00:08:35,210 --> 00:08:37,432 um , you've heard the secretary and the 227 00:08:37,432 --> 00:08:39,679 president speak to this . Um , we had 228 00:08:39,690 --> 00:08:42,260 prepositioned some , uh , weapons and 229 00:08:42,270 --> 00:08:44,492 capabilities . Um , so we were ready to 230 00:08:44,492 --> 00:08:46,714 support Ukraine almost immediately when 231 00:08:46,714 --> 00:08:49,030 that PD A was announced . So , uh , 232 00:08:49,609 --> 00:08:51,831 whether it was air defenses , artillery 233 00:08:51,831 --> 00:08:53,887 ammunition that continues to flow to 234 00:08:53,887 --> 00:08:56,309 Ukraine , but it is , was almost pretty 235 00:08:56,320 --> 00:08:59,010 immediate on getting into Ukraine in 236 00:08:59,020 --> 00:09:01,131 terms of getting to the front lines , 237 00:09:01,131 --> 00:09:03,298 um getting to the units that need them 238 00:09:03,298 --> 00:09:05,520 the most . That's really something that 239 00:09:05,520 --> 00:09:07,631 Ukraine can speak to . More so direct 240 00:09:07,631 --> 00:09:09,798 you to the Ukrainian uh forces to , to 241 00:09:09,799 --> 00:09:11,688 really speak to that . But , um , 242 00:09:11,688 --> 00:09:14,340 you've seen us flow PD a packages , um 243 00:09:14,349 --> 00:09:16,071 getting materials into Ukraine 244 00:09:16,071 --> 00:09:18,299 sometimes within hours if not a day or 245 00:09:18,309 --> 00:09:20,476 two . And so that's what we were ready 246 00:09:20,476 --> 00:09:22,365 for and while we did wait for the 247 00:09:22,365 --> 00:09:24,476 supplemental and that did take months 248 00:09:24,476 --> 00:09:26,698 to get across the finish line . Um , we 249 00:09:26,698 --> 00:09:28,854 were certainly able to uh surge that 250 00:09:28,864 --> 00:09:30,994 aid uh when the president signed out 251 00:09:31,005 --> 00:09:33,061 that presidential drawdown package . 252 00:09:33,061 --> 00:09:34,783 And , um , just last week , we 253 00:09:34,783 --> 00:09:36,449 announced another longer term 254 00:09:36,449 --> 00:09:39,405 commitment to Ukraine , um uh to the 255 00:09:39,414 --> 00:09:42,395 tune of $6 billion in USA . I uh that 256 00:09:42,405 --> 00:09:44,738 will take longer to reach Ukraine . But , 257 00:09:44,738 --> 00:09:46,849 um , again , that's for the long term 258 00:09:46,849 --> 00:09:48,905 commitment to them . Um , as we have 259 00:09:48,905 --> 00:09:51,016 shown time and time again that we are 260 00:09:51,016 --> 00:09:53,238 invested in Ukraine short term and long 261 00:09:53,238 --> 00:09:55,461 term future . And with that , I will go 262 00:09:55,461 --> 00:09:57,627 to Dan LA Moth uh Washington Post . Uh 263 00:09:57,627 --> 00:09:59,794 Thank you , uh , two loose ends . Uh , 264 00:09:59,794 --> 00:10:01,849 looking to see if there's any update 265 00:10:01,849 --> 00:10:03,849 with the situation in and the talks 266 00:10:03,849 --> 00:10:05,738 that were ongoing . And then , uh 267 00:10:05,738 --> 00:10:07,683 secondly , looking for any kind of 268 00:10:07,683 --> 00:10:09,905 update on whether there's been any kind 269 00:10:09,905 --> 00:10:11,905 of uh additional attack or threat , 270 00:10:11,905 --> 00:10:14,440 either on uh pier and causeway assets 271 00:10:14,450 --> 00:10:17,280 or on the staging uh facility on the 272 00:10:17,289 --> 00:10:20,070 beach . Thanks , thanks Dan . Uh In 273 00:10:20,080 --> 00:10:22,191 terms of any additional attacks , I'm 274 00:10:22,191 --> 00:10:24,358 not tracking any at this moment . Um I 275 00:10:24,358 --> 00:10:26,469 would direct you to the ID F to speak 276 00:10:26,469 --> 00:10:28,358 to that in terms of uh within the 277 00:10:28,358 --> 00:10:30,469 vicinity of where the pier uh will be 278 00:10:30,469 --> 00:10:32,469 set up . But I , at this time , I'm 279 00:10:32,469 --> 00:10:34,136 just not um tracking anything 280 00:10:34,136 --> 00:10:37,280 additional um in terms of uh 281 00:10:38,179 --> 00:10:40,346 sort of in the same place that we were 282 00:10:40,346 --> 00:10:42,780 last week . Um The State Department , a 283 00:10:42,789 --> 00:10:45,239 representative from us Africom did hold 284 00:10:45,250 --> 00:10:48,460 meetings . Um We are waiting to send 285 00:10:48,469 --> 00:10:51,890 our another delegation to um that 286 00:10:51,900 --> 00:10:53,900 delegation has not left um but they 287 00:10:53,900 --> 00:10:55,678 were , they should be scheduled 288 00:10:55,678 --> 00:10:57,789 hopefully to leave this week . Um And 289 00:10:57,789 --> 00:10:59,900 that will be to continue to , to have 290 00:10:59,900 --> 00:11:02,011 those conversations about withdrawing 291 00:11:02,011 --> 00:11:04,640 us forces , but um no major updates 292 00:11:04,650 --> 00:11:07,020 right now . Uh When there are updates , 293 00:11:07,030 --> 00:11:09,030 of course , we will provide those . 294 00:11:09,539 --> 00:11:11,650 Yeah , Jeanie , thank you , Sabrina . 295 00:11:11,650 --> 00:11:15,479 The defense secretary Austin said that 296 00:11:15,489 --> 00:11:18,429 the congressional hearing that North 297 00:11:18,440 --> 00:11:21,859 Korea has gained the confidence due to 298 00:11:22,140 --> 00:11:25,140 its close relationship with the Russian 299 00:11:25,150 --> 00:11:28,484 President Putin and is concerned about 300 00:11:28,494 --> 00:11:32,304 its solidarity with China . Russia and 301 00:11:32,315 --> 00:11:35,395 Iran . What measures will the United 302 00:11:35,405 --> 00:11:39,145 States take to prevent military cooper 303 00:11:39,155 --> 00:11:42,549 operation from these countries ? Yeah , 304 00:11:42,559 --> 00:11:45,179 Jamie , I don't have much more to add 305 00:11:45,190 --> 00:11:47,357 to what the secretary said in front of 306 00:11:47,357 --> 00:11:49,468 Congress yesterday . I think he spoke 307 00:11:49,468 --> 00:11:51,357 quite well to this is that we are 308 00:11:51,357 --> 00:11:53,468 concerned , we're certainly concerned 309 00:11:53,468 --> 00:11:55,579 about the deepening relationship that 310 00:11:55,579 --> 00:11:57,746 the D Pr K and Russia have that , uh , 311 00:11:57,746 --> 00:11:59,634 together with Iran that , that is 312 00:11:59,634 --> 00:12:02,229 fueling , um , Russia on the 313 00:12:02,239 --> 00:12:04,710 battlefield in Ukraine as they continue 314 00:12:04,719 --> 00:12:08,369 to wage this illegal war , um , and 315 00:12:08,380 --> 00:12:11,205 kill many innocent Ukrainian civilians . 316 00:12:11,215 --> 00:12:13,674 Um So in terms of what we are doing as 317 00:12:13,684 --> 00:12:15,895 the United States , we continue to 318 00:12:15,905 --> 00:12:18,304 monitor um , the Department of Defense , 319 00:12:18,315 --> 00:12:20,426 of course , you've seen us strengthen 320 00:12:20,426 --> 00:12:22,426 our own relationships with the rock 321 00:12:22,426 --> 00:12:24,655 within the region . Um We continue to 322 00:12:24,664 --> 00:12:26,775 arm Ukraine with the weapons it needs 323 00:12:26,775 --> 00:12:28,942 on the battlefield and then across the 324 00:12:28,942 --> 00:12:30,775 interagency you've seen from the 325 00:12:30,775 --> 00:12:32,775 Treasury Department announcing more 326 00:12:32,775 --> 00:12:34,664 sanctions on , uh , whether it be 327 00:12:34,664 --> 00:12:37,190 Russia D pr K , um , and others . So we 328 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:39,280 certainly take this seriously . Um , 329 00:12:39,289 --> 00:12:41,345 and we're continuing to monitor as a 330 00:12:41,345 --> 00:12:44,239 department . Do you have any 331 00:12:44,250 --> 00:12:48,059 information about Russia , North 332 00:12:48,140 --> 00:12:52,020 Korea and mercenary for war with 333 00:12:52,030 --> 00:12:54,330 Ukraine ? I don't have any information 334 00:12:54,340 --> 00:12:56,618 on that . I haven't seen any , uh , uh , 335 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:58,919 reports on that , but that being said , 336 00:12:58,929 --> 00:13:01,030 we certainly know that the D Pr K is 337 00:13:01,039 --> 00:13:04,469 willing to support Russia in um in its 338 00:13:04,479 --> 00:13:07,669 fight against Ukraine . Um And that is 339 00:13:07,679 --> 00:13:09,679 one country supporting Russia along 340 00:13:09,679 --> 00:13:12,349 with Iran . Uh you have over 50 341 00:13:12,619 --> 00:13:14,799 countries and partners supporting 342 00:13:14,809 --> 00:13:17,210 Ukraine in its fight . Um And that's , 343 00:13:17,219 --> 00:13:19,386 you know , what you saw last week with 344 00:13:19,386 --> 00:13:21,608 the Ukraine defense contact group , the 345 00:13:21,608 --> 00:13:23,497 secretary um announced additional 346 00:13:23,497 --> 00:13:25,663 commitments there . Um And so while we 347 00:13:26,369 --> 00:13:29,630 see the D pr K uh supporting Russia's 348 00:13:29,640 --> 00:13:32,510 efforts , um the United States is uh 349 00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:34,853 always proud to stand tall with Ukraine . 350 00:13:37,400 --> 00:13:40,030 So Chinese Coast Guard have fired water 351 00:13:40,039 --> 00:13:42,929 cannon at two Philippine vessels and 352 00:13:42,940 --> 00:13:46,369 which is in South China Sea . And 353 00:13:46,380 --> 00:13:48,436 tomorrow secretary a will meet Japan 354 00:13:48,436 --> 00:13:50,491 and the European Defense Minister in 355 00:13:50,491 --> 00:13:52,602 Hawaii to strengthen their com to the 356 00:13:52,602 --> 00:13:54,658 region . But what does the P General 357 00:13:54,658 --> 00:13:57,609 expect Japan to do to maintain security 358 00:13:57,619 --> 00:13:59,820 in this region ? Well , look , I'm not 359 00:13:59,830 --> 00:14:01,608 going to speak on behalf of the 360 00:14:01,608 --> 00:14:03,830 Japanese government . I would refer you 361 00:14:03,830 --> 00:14:03,719 to them to speak to any actions that 362 00:14:03,729 --> 00:14:05,896 they're taking . Um what you're seeing 363 00:14:05,896 --> 00:14:08,359 though tomorrow with the secretary's 364 00:14:08,369 --> 00:14:10,258 meeting between the Philippines , 365 00:14:10,258 --> 00:14:12,313 Australia , Japan . Um It's a second 366 00:14:12,313 --> 00:14:14,591 meeting of this type that's being held . 367 00:14:14,591 --> 00:14:16,813 So what you're seeing is a deepening of 368 00:14:16,813 --> 00:14:18,980 cooper and uh security ties and that's 369 00:14:18,980 --> 00:14:21,299 incredibly important in the region . Um 370 00:14:21,460 --> 00:14:23,627 in terms to what you're referring to , 371 00:14:23,627 --> 00:14:25,960 I mean , we have and will continue to 372 00:14:25,969 --> 00:14:28,539 be clear with Beijing um that these 373 00:14:28,549 --> 00:14:31,500 actions by the Pr C put uh Filipino 374 00:14:31,510 --> 00:14:33,599 crews in danger . Uh They've caused 375 00:14:33,609 --> 00:14:35,553 injuries , they've caused damage . 376 00:14:35,553 --> 00:14:37,387 There are complete disregard and 377 00:14:37,387 --> 00:14:39,609 violation of international law . And so 378 00:14:40,150 --> 00:14:42,880 we stand firm with our Philippine um 379 00:14:42,890 --> 00:14:45,112 with the Philippines and our commitment 380 00:14:45,112 --> 00:14:47,223 to the Mutual defense Treaty . Um And 381 00:14:47,223 --> 00:14:49,001 we're , and we really are doing 382 00:14:49,001 --> 00:14:51,057 historic work with Manila . Um We're 383 00:14:51,057 --> 00:14:53,390 supporting their military modernization . 384 00:14:53,390 --> 00:14:55,390 We're , we're coordinating at every 385 00:14:55,390 --> 00:14:55,309 level of government . And so that's 386 00:14:55,320 --> 00:14:57,542 something that you're going to see with 387 00:14:57,542 --> 00:14:59,764 Secretary Austin tomorrow . Yet again , 388 00:14:59,764 --> 00:15:01,820 another conversation building on the 389 00:15:01,820 --> 00:15:03,931 relationship um , from the past , you 390 00:15:03,931 --> 00:15:06,264 know , over the last four years . Great . 391 00:15:06,264 --> 00:15:08,320 I'm gonna go to the phones here . We 392 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:10,376 have a few more here . Uh Jeff Shole 393 00:15:10,376 --> 00:15:12,542 task and purpose . Thank you . Uh Mali 394 00:15:12,542 --> 00:15:15,549 claims that it has killed Abu Hua , an 395 00:15:15,559 --> 00:15:17,615 Isis leader who played a role in the 396 00:15:17,615 --> 00:15:20,919 October 27th ambush . I'm wondering , 397 00:15:20,929 --> 00:15:23,280 has Mali provided the defense 398 00:15:23,289 --> 00:15:25,400 department any information to confirm 399 00:15:25,400 --> 00:15:27,820 this or has the defense department been 400 00:15:27,830 --> 00:15:30,880 able to independently confirm that this 401 00:15:30,890 --> 00:15:34,640 uh ISIS leader is killed ? And do you 402 00:15:34,650 --> 00:15:36,872 have any information about what exactly 403 00:15:36,880 --> 00:15:38,869 the role he played in the ambush ? 404 00:15:38,880 --> 00:15:40,769 Thank you . Thanks , Jeff for the 405 00:15:40,769 --> 00:15:42,936 question . Um I'm , I'm sorry , I just 406 00:15:42,936 --> 00:15:45,047 don't have any information for you on 407 00:15:45,047 --> 00:15:47,989 this . Um You know , II I , I've seen , 408 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,000 I've seen some of the reports but I 409 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:52,278 just don't have anything to provide on , 410 00:15:52,278 --> 00:15:54,444 on this at this time . Uh Sam Lrn us , 411 00:15:54,444 --> 00:15:58,080 N I , hey , Sabrina , um 412 00:15:58,250 --> 00:16:00,200 over the last uh week or so we're 413 00:16:00,210 --> 00:16:04,119 seeing , um pretty much a daily attacks 414 00:16:04,130 --> 00:16:06,352 from the houthis expanding as far out , 415 00:16:06,669 --> 00:16:09,080 uh , as the Indian Ocean , uh , in 416 00:16:09,090 --> 00:16:12,080 particular , the suspected attack on MC 417 00:16:12,849 --> 00:16:15,049 looks like it's , it's pretty , uh , 418 00:16:15,059 --> 00:16:17,260 far away from kind of the traditional 419 00:16:17,270 --> 00:16:21,229 Red Sea . Um , areas of attack . Are , 420 00:16:21,239 --> 00:16:23,239 are you all looking to , you know , 421 00:16:23,239 --> 00:16:25,517 sort of expand the scope of prosperity , 422 00:16:25,517 --> 00:16:27,572 Guardian or any of the other sort of 423 00:16:27,572 --> 00:16:29,906 deterrent patrols or protection patrols , 424 00:16:29,906 --> 00:16:31,906 um , beyond kind of the Red Sea and 425 00:16:31,906 --> 00:16:34,239 cultivate and get into the Indian Ocean . 426 00:16:34,239 --> 00:16:36,461 Thanks . Yeah , thanks Sam . Uh for the 427 00:16:36,461 --> 00:16:38,628 question . So I've seen the reports on 428 00:16:38,628 --> 00:16:40,683 um an attack in the Indian Ocean . I 429 00:16:40,683 --> 00:16:43,200 just can't confirm those . Um As of 430 00:16:43,210 --> 00:16:45,043 right now , operation Prosperity 431 00:16:45,043 --> 00:16:47,099 Guardian is focused on the Red Sea , 432 00:16:47,099 --> 00:16:50,590 the Gulf of Aden , uh the BM um and 433 00:16:50,599 --> 00:16:52,650 working very effectively and 434 00:16:52,659 --> 00:16:56,289 efficiently with um over 20 different 435 00:16:56,500 --> 00:16:59,330 uh countries . So , um right now the 436 00:16:59,340 --> 00:17:02,109 mission remains the same . Uh should 437 00:17:02,119 --> 00:17:04,119 the mission change ? Of course , we 438 00:17:04,119 --> 00:17:06,640 would update you on that . Um But since 439 00:17:06,650 --> 00:17:08,706 you gave me the opportunity , I will 440 00:17:08,706 --> 00:17:12,099 take it that um the Houthis continue to 441 00:17:12,500 --> 00:17:14,719 endanger commercial shipping that goes 442 00:17:14,729 --> 00:17:16,896 through that region continue to put at 443 00:17:16,896 --> 00:17:20,089 risk . Um us forces other countries 444 00:17:20,099 --> 00:17:22,250 forces in the region who want to see 445 00:17:22,260 --> 00:17:24,959 commerce continue to flow in a very 446 00:17:24,969 --> 00:17:27,390 crucial area um in the Middle East . 447 00:17:27,400 --> 00:17:31,199 And so um our , our teams uh in , in 448 00:17:31,209 --> 00:17:33,369 the Centcom area of responsibility 449 00:17:33,380 --> 00:17:35,547 continue to work around the clock . Uh 450 00:17:36,189 --> 00:17:38,133 Defending commercial shipping , uh 451 00:17:38,133 --> 00:17:41,880 protecting our , our , our forces and 452 00:17:41,890 --> 00:17:43,946 um I'll say about that . Yeah , come 453 00:17:43,946 --> 00:17:46,829 back in the room . Ok , great short 454 00:17:46,839 --> 00:17:48,520 briefing today . Thanks everyone .