Our shared geography has spurred the integration and linkage of our economies：America’s annual two－way trade here is ＄2.3 trillion, and U.S. foreign direct investment is ＄1.3 trillion, more than China’s, Japan’s and South Korea’s combined.
Our defense ties are similarly strong：we have a long history of engagement, and we have strong, longstanding relationships, from our five treaty alliances to our large and growing number of defense partners.
Our defense relationships have expanded along with this region’s prosperity, and as our own economic interests increased. And this region’s prosperity has been increased by the stabilizing influence of our defense relationships. So the synergy between prosperity and security is well－ understood.
With that linkage in mind, I am pleased to have this opportunity to describe the very real progress the Department of Defense is making to usher in a new age of technology, partnerships, and posture that presents an unprecedented opportunity for our Indo－Pacific network of allies and partners.
Standing here today, we are nearly three years into this significant undertaking. In spite of a very dynamic world, we are focused. We have continuity, and this continuity is propelling us forward.
Our direction is unambiguous, and our efforts are captured in our National Defense Strategy and the Indo－Pacific Strategy Report, which describes how we are implementing the strategy in this region. |
