US Defense Leaders Testify on Indo-Pacific Region to House Committee | Mar 20, 2024.

Defense Leaders Address House Committee on Indo-Pacific Region | DOD Strengthens Indo-Pacific Regional Ties. Defense leaders discuss security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee. Testifying are: Ely S. Ratner, the Defense Department’s assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs; Navy Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of United Nations Command, Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea.
DOD Strengthens Indo-Pacific Regional Ties
March 20, 2024 | By David Vergun
China continues to present the most comprehensive and serious challenge to U.S. national security, said Ely S. Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs.
That's because China remains the only country with the will and, increasingly, the capability to dominate the Indo-Pacific region and displace the United States, Ratner said today in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific.
"Today, the PRC is pursuing its revisionist goals with increasingly coercive activities in the Taiwan Strait the South and East China seas along the Line of Actual Control with India and beyond," he said.
But conflict in the Indo-Pacific region is neither imminent nor inevitable, and the Defense Department is doing more than ever to keep it that way with the help of U.S. allies and partners, Ratner said. Over the past year, that work has included:
DOD announcing bilateral agreements with Australia, India and Japan to co-produce or acquire advanced capabilities to strengthen deterrence across the region;
DOD continuing to implement major defense initiatives with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Australia;
DOD concluding a bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement with Papua New Guinea;
The United States extending economic assistance that will last for the next 20 years for the Compacts of Free Association with three, key Pacific Island partners: Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands;
The U.S., Japan and South Korea agreeing to a multiyear, trilateral exercise plan, as well as a real-time data-sharing mechanism for warning of North Korean missiles;
DOD working to integrate Australia and Japan into its force posture initiatives;
DOD expanding bilateral training with Thailand and Indonesia to feature exercises across the region;
DOD investing in the next generation of regional defense leaders with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
​Navy Adm. John Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who also testified, said that that conflict with China is not imminent or inevitable.
"But our potential adversaries have become increasingly aggressive and emboldened. The PRC's unprecedented military buildup and a campaign of coercive actions continue to destabilize the region, and they challenge the values and institutions that support a free and open Indo-Pacific," he said.
Aquilino said the department must build on the Indo-Pacific progress it has achieved over the last few years, including bolstering Guam's defense system and working to improve bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Army Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, commander of United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea, testified that within the last year, North Korea has continued developing its military capabilities - including solid-fuel ballistic missile technology - which violate sanctions.
He said North Korean missile systems pose a threat to countries worldwide.
In addition, North Korea has provided military support to Russia, assisting in Vladimir Putin's illegal and indefensible invasion of Ukraine, LaCamera said.
The U.S.-South Korea alliance has continued to adapt to meet the evolving challenges, he said. In April, the two countries signed the Washington Declaration, which reaffirms their commitment to mutual defense.
In July, South Korea and the U.S. also had their first meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group with the aim of strengthening deterrence and strategic planning to manage the North Korean threat, he said.
LaCamera also said there have been multiple, strategic-asset deployments to South Korea, including a nuclear ballistic-missile submarine and the first B-52 bomber landing in the last 40 years.
Scheduled from Mar 20 2024 11:10 AM EDT to Mar 20 2024 1:36 PM EDT
Defense Now March - 2024
• DN Mar. 2024
Film Credits: Defense.gov
#DefenseLeaders #IndoPacificRegion #HouseCommittee #Testimony #NationalSecurity #Military #USMilitary #ForeignPolicy #AsiaPacific #Security #Geopolitics #DefensePolicy #Congress #USCongress #HouseArmedServicesCommittee #IndoAsiaPacific #IndoPacificStrategy #IndoPacificSecurity #IndoPacificDeterrence #IndoPacificAlliance

[@Twin_Lakay]

As a Filipino American here in US..thank you❤ 🇵🇭 🤜🏻🤛🏻🇺🇸

[@caloimaralit]

Thank you Adm. Aquilino thank you America.. i am a Filipino and i will fight for my Country and for my People

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@edirish714]

Aquino should stop the China building the China base in the Philippines West Sea. Ask help from USA and others Countries.

[@bernardocarpio2831]

​@@k.k.c8670China good in cooking food only.Forget your dreams of being a Military power.!!

[@felisalogrono7747]

Thank u our real allies particularly US initiations on securities both land and sea on Indo - Pacific nations. We in the Phil. will highly defend our country with your full support. God bless us all allies.

[@margauxlaurenpelijates9473]

Brilliant analysis! Let Us be in one hand! GOD Bless humanity!

[@Leakhenawatdey]

adm aquilino should stay as consultant to indo pacific defense network operations..

[@eyeinthesky888]

As a past general like Patton or MacArthur, I would prioritize bolstering military alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with countries like Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, and India. I would focus on enhancing deterrence capabilities, conducting joint military exercises, and deploying strategic assets to maintain a strong presence. Additionally, I would advocate for a unified approach among allies to counter China's aggressive actions and North Korea's destabilizing behavior, while also addressing the broader geopolitical challenges, such as Russia's involvement in conflicts like the invasion of Ukraine.

[@jennylee685]

How is it that U.S. is not considered an aggressive nation toward China encircling China with over 80 US military bases? US is the non Pacific based nation imposing its so called powers over the Indo Pacific nations & around the South China Sea! Why must the U.S. do that? Why must the U.S. be the sole world power & why does the US have to dominate the world with its warmongering ways? US has been at war more than 3 quarters of its young existence on this planet. Why do you not advocate for peace & diplomacy? Will the biggest, strongest military bring the U.S. prosperity? Why is the US getting into other nation’s businesses when your own country is in shambles? What a shame that you exhibit with your warmongering ways! US is blatantly using the minute conflicts around the South China Sea & blowing up their significance to be so major that they are causes for expanding your military budget & provoking a war with China, using the Philippines, Vietnam & Indias’s border disputes with China? These are all baseless & ridiculous excuses that you are trying to use as pretext to provoke a war with China. I think the bottom line is U.S. cannot beat China economically so the U.S. is now wants to push China into a war using China’s neighbors as cannon fodders first.

[@jeffreyespinassiao1398]

Salute 🫡, watching from Lethbridge Alberta Canada 🇨🇦

[@mirandigriffin9879]

Thank you for your service

[@DefenseNow]

Much appreciated

[@elmertabor5669]

GOD BLESS US -PHILIPPINES AND THIER ALLIES !!!! 👍👏😍🙏🇺🇲🇵🇭

[@NurseArielPhysiotherapists]

🇵🇭🇺🇲🇯🇵🇦🇺🇰🇷 Thank you

[@walterperry4565]

Your welcome 😂

[@timothyhernandez3985]

But Philippines lack military of equipment because China largest military of equipment

[@Eraseplays2.0]

🙏🙏🙏

[@archiedelacruz30]

​@@timothyhernandez3985 to Philippines its not about its army and weapons, it is strategic loc.why Philippines is important , ,

[@michaelrubi1148]

@@archiedelacruz30what can you do with your “strategic location”?

[@user-ce2bx4uy1e]

Let's be United,defend the Philippines,and the Indo pacific region against China's aggressive ideology!!!

[@calipcasi567]

Thank you very much america from Philippines 🇵🇭💪💪💪🇺🇸🇵🇭

[@ricamistad]

Good job..ADM Aquillino of US Navy ! God bless America.🇺🇲

[@mirandigriffin9879]

If the US continues to raise its defense spending, we can only get better

[@galaxyA-mv8xo]

Thank You U.S.A. love, from 🇵🇭

[@abegoyal3542]

thank you america for defending my country( philippines) against prc.

[@antonioalexandercastro3520]

Until we are able to defend ourselves , then we are forever at the mercy of other countries -- both friend and foe. Some people hate Israel, but they got it right ("Never Again!") when they needed to find a way to defend themselves. With the help of the west they were able to arm themselves as well as develop their own. It also helped that France helped them get the Atom Bomb (yes, they are nuclear-armed) but will neither confirm or deny it and will do all it can to maintain that in the middle east. My point being, we should have our own defense facilities no matter how obsolete by other nation's standard. We will eventually improve but we need to start.

[@roelragas6619]

🇵🇭🇹🇼🇯🇵🇰🇷🇺🇲💪💪💪💪 from PH🇵🇭

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@bonsolfamilyyt3768]

We are 134Million Filipinos with very young population. We cant build Tanks, missile, submarine and aircraft carrier because we have no resources. Filipino engineers employs in making chips, electronic boards in biggest semiconductor and electronic companies all over the world. Filipinos are bright and good for electronics and computer technology. Train Filipinos in Cyber War technology. Thats all we can offer.

[@Breakaleg00]

Complain in your President not in comment section

[@antonioalexandercastro3520]

They'd rather watch Politicos spewing trash and grandstanding, then at night listen to a lawmaker make a fool of himself and find fault in all government agencies and when called out is defended by his followers and resorts to smart shaming and ad hominems. That's what we got when we elect popular but irresponsible politicians and unless we wise up, not amount of aid will help our cause. We need to put that in our head or else we will continue to rely on others for our protection. Why would a country in Europe or a person in Virginia care about us when we don't even care enough to elect proper officials but instead follow and cheer him in his grandstanding and ridiculous circus show in the senate? We deserve what we are now and perhaps this will embolden us to band together and get our act together after years of malaise and "don't care" attitude.

[@jasons44]

United States of America should devote much more to their defense

[@Sinner85]

India is the key to deter China due to it's position and sheer man power

[@animallife1877]

Because the border is only land. Thats why china always eager to get the india sympathy and make india to take side in china

[@mirandigriffin9879]

India is good at making peace as well

[@romiframika477]

Mana mungkin. Memberantas kasus pelecehan seksual pemerkosaan india belum bisa😂masi jadi negara no 1 kasus pelecehan seksual😂

[@user-cy3qj8su3k]

Thanks US & like minded nations for supporting us, the Philippines on pushing China out from EEZ's territorial waters.

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@rampagemototv2023]

GOD BLESS US-PHIL AND OTHER ALLIES

[@bataching4392]

Thank you Adm. Aquilino love and prayers from Philippines🇵🇭❤❤

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@davidferrer7793]

thank you for all services.

[@catherinevalledo9611]

Thank you USA❤ and allies❤

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@dhovandits]

God bless America

[@gerwinguzon2968]

UNCLOS, PROTECT AND SAVE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, PHL EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE AND BENHAM RISE EAST PHL SEA🙏 Search BENHAM RISE

[@k.k.c8670]

Sure pagpag... Come again next century

[@user-wk7hs9mt6g]

I am from Philippines and I support America for whatever plans they will have.

[@user-wk7hs9mt6g]

please strengthen us so we can help you with your goals.

[@user-ke4bv1pc8q]

That is true Chinese wanted to control in the future and even friends like Rusia they will not trust x Jing ping

[@cinderella46_]

Russia "maybe" is already prepared for china invasion​@@user-ke4bv1pc8q

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@user-hs9ng1nx1h]

Equipt the Philippines with your air combat land and sea for the entire indo pacific

[@k.k.c8670]

You begging?

[@punsalanedmon4537]

Thank you USA for helping the Philippines please join us in the USA once again We became a poor country after we did the Independence from USA in 1946 due to CORRUPTION of FILIPINO POLITICIANS.

[@dannydumduma7103]

GOD BLESS USA THIER ALLIES GOD BLESS PHILIPPINES

[@joeycollantes8020]

Muchos gracias

[@GermanoBaron-on6lb]

Thank u USA and all allies from the Philippines. ❤

[@jasons44]

The European leaders need to stand up we need to hear more of NATO members speaking out

[@user-ft9zq2jy8o]

Bendiciones gracias

[@user-sy1ji5tx9u]

🙏♥️

[@andresdennismapa4263]

Salamat us

[@user-ft9zq2jy8o]

Hagan por buscar la paz siempre gracias bendiciones

[@cokeejoyebueza7315]

Salamat america defend the philippines

[@asiaposmaxx]

What about us in the Philippines?

[@user-mb2tk8gu7l]

Guys listen carefully

[@walterperry4565]

Phils you are what its all about..❤❤

[@rickymurillo9407]

Just fight our sovereign Right. And we always prepare our Self to depend our Country.

[@antonioalexandercastro3520]

As much as we need to arm, it would be dangerous to give us too much too soon. Imagine you are a little person and you're getting bullied everytime you go out or have your food taken by the bully in the neighborhood. Then one day, resigned to your fate about getting bullied daily, some one slipped you a gun and told you how to use it. What would your first reaction be?

[@gerrybugs]

Give me a Filipino an ConQuer the World By: 🎉US General Mac Arthur

[@jansmith2566]

We salute our MILITARY specialy thank you for your service and sacrifices Sincerely yours Princess Maryam shahzadeh ghajar

[@judithnishikawa8398]

The opponents are surely watching.

[@hfollos]

You meant “the enemies are watching” 😊

[@KevinHernandez-hz6kj]

Let them to watch,

[@judithnishikawa8398]

@hfollos Yeah!😅

[@marandeviecaparas6118]

I am worry as well inside Philippine Arm Forces that china also infiltrated our arm forces. Including our government agencies.

[@Amelia-hm9jz]

Thank you Admiral John Aquilino for your fast and brilliant decision. We needed your readiness and alertness in delivering your services Sir. Sad that you are soon retire. Thank you for your great services. May I take this opportunity to thank you Congratulations to you and your family for their support. Thank you and all the US Military group that are helping Philippines Sir. Thank you to Dr. Ely Ratner, to Gen. Paul Lacamera, to Chairman Morehouse, the USA as a whole, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, India and all the allies, thank you so much. We can't do anything to help, but I believe with our prayers and supplications for God's intervention with HIs LOVE, PEACE, AND FORGIVENESS TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES. To God be the Glory. Amen

[@titomendoza1183]

Mabuhay ka, ADM AQUILINO!!!!!

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@user-cy3qj8su3k]

The world must follow the rules based orders of international maritime laws of UNCLOS.

[@ramilcueto1142]

Thank you Admiral Aquilino Dr Ratner and US Congress

[@user-ce2bx4uy1e]

The U. S. Must boost it's defense industrial base,or factories.Without them,running out of logistics could severely affect the Campaign!

[@koviyovas8325]

trump is also a threat

[@chrismendoza4408]

You also a treat

[@bobbydelarosa6667]

YOUR MORE OF A TREAT TO OUR DEMOCRACY AND WE DONT LIKE DICTATOR.

[@user-ke4bv1pc8q]

He may back down to x Jing ping

[@justaguy-69]

i wish trump was in office now, i would feel a lot better about all this.

[@mirrorocean3852]

@@justaguy-69Trump wouldn’t want to get involved. Trump won’t send weapons and money to help other countries. Trump is all about American first.

[@albertinacay3188]

Just give us the tools and we'll do job.

[@k.k.c8670]

Forever begging

[@josephelsemartcanhear566]

​@@k.k.c8670 fucking Winnie the Pooh

[@mirandigriffin9879]

All threats at this time need to be taken seriously

[@mirandigriffin9879]

Tried to tell you

[@JennyAlejandro-fk3xp]

Thank you

[@annielynebron5778]

God afternoun po sa inyong lahat komusta napo kayo jan god bless u sa inyong lahat grade3..12 year old ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@death_parade]

11:32 "Allies and partners".....good to see US government lexicon move away from the "with us or against us" narrative and incorporate words like "partners" instead of just "allies." We Indians will never form an alliance with any country, be it USA or somebody else. But we Indians have no problems being a partner to USA on issues where we have an alignment. Like on China. We'll do it even as we thwart your CIA's regime change attempts in Bangladesh. India has always had this diplomatic maturity. Good to see USA learning this as well.

[@mirrorocean3852]

Thailand is making a big mistake for getting close to China.

[@animallife1877]

Indeed china will conquer since there is no democracy and only 1 leader to lead..

[@BureaucracyWorld]

Thailand 🇹🇭 has made good decisions not to choose war, America has only one thing in mind is war. Thailand is only one country in the world that has never been conquered by imperialism, and it will never be. Thailand will not fight for anybody else except its own.

[@czts4778]

Thailand is just balancing its act because the US can't be relied on, and China's military might be increasing.

[@aldringonzales508]

You're wrong the China is the emperialsm China has taking the whole south China sea...even the Philippine exclusive economic zone But U. S. didn't do that since end of world War 2 CHECK ME IF I WRONG

[@nolane7906]

Thailand has no border dispute with China they are not affected by China's aggression. but all countries that have shared borders with China. has conflict with its other.

[@TanjiroKamado_905]

China is watching these very carefully to inform them.

[@galaxyA-mv8xo]

And china will release a statement of PROPAGANDA.😅

[@Jesusextraction]

Can you guys do your NATO training in Poland

[@user-ec7qo4uw9x]

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE PHILIPPINES

[@bimbodecastro7292]

U.S. Congress Should permit the handdown of the ships & aircrafts that have been & would be decommissioned to the Philippines to strengthen & sustain the WPS area. So that the ally assets would not be behind China's growing maritime & air assets.

[@jonathansoliano9867]

God bless united state of America

[@navneet8269]

Gentleman, Think Europe without US US without NATO !?

[@user-mb2tk8gu7l]

True

[@Moncadenian]

Thank you US Defense Leaders and military Generals for helping the Philippines against Communist Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. I am praying 🙏🙏🙏to the Lord that US will be greater and more blessed so they can help smaller countries like the Philippines from communist Chinese abuses.🙏🙏🙏

[@efrenganer3948]

Act faster USA before it's too late indo pacific badly needs 😭💯👍

[@WinterSniper-of4wi]

not too late for us maybe to you 😅

[@elizabethgaleria6787]

Thank y0u m0ther c0untry America stand f0r manny yeas allies Philippines.I shall return Mc'Achtur.

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@hs988]

God bless america

[@stevenwebbjrhistory]

Is the only real option to hit now? What's the real option? because its not looking good as time goes on.

[@ironfistduterte7306]

If only the Philippines had enough modern equipments to defend our country but yeah, thanks to our brothers from the U.S., Korea, and Japan. Filipinos are peace loving people but given with a limited arms and resources we will not back down when push comes to shove.

[@jonasmanuyag739]

How we can sure protected peace Ang order of the word???

[@account1user113]

It seems that the topic here is more on building defense but for me as US always saying "The Greatest Defense is Offense" you know what I'm saying. Act fast before it's too late.

[@ericdedios9653]

If only china didn't tresspass the Philippines EEZ that would be a less problem where we are now ..greedy nation must be contain..we dont want war indeed but someday wants to wage war what can we do but to prepare remember the lesson of WW2 pacific

[@jasons44]

We Need numbers, 🎉 ships/planes

[@AngelakayeMiddleton]

Thanks for fighting for could without ❤

[@user-yc7kp2wo6g]

Philipines is also loyal allies of America and philipines is the first eyes of America to protect evry harmful step of enemy

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@monicoabang8218]

US Defense Committee busy na sa discussion on their courses of action in Indo-Pacific Region Vs Philippines Defense Committee patulog-tulog pa, e parating na ang giyera...

[@Leakhenawatdey]

yes, mr. moulton..

[@insam226]

God bless America and God bless the Philippines

[@brianhersey9745]

"Ah! the Generals! they are numerous, but not good for much!" Aristophanes Quote Some things never change. But it is not all their fault with a state department that is actively supporting the very people the generals are opposing.

[@ulrichsaure-fi7gt]

Did you remember during the early days of their former President in Her office she's with Xi were Happy that the PLA is making a military base inside the EEZ of the Philippines??? Does anyone of you there remember that??? So, the Congressman has a reason for a DOUBT.

[@Jesusextraction]

😊 can you guys dragged kushner off to the Navy

[@JennyAlejandro-fk3xp]

Thank you U.S.A

[@swagfunny7229]

You should really consider india as a key partner to stop expansionism policy of china

[@apobani5247]

PBBM has shown his strategic genius on the 2 top ticket items - 1) protecting and defending our country from outside threats and 2) growing the country's economy and employment. None of his predecessors has thought of building bigger international alliance to defend the country. Philippines being a small country can't do it alone with limited resources against China. Building bigger international alliance tilted that balance of power in favor of the Philippines - outsmarting Xi Jinping and his military think tank. With respect to economy, besides using Fiscal Policy and domestic PPP (Public-Private Partnership), PBBM tirelessly traveling and inviting investments into the Philippines by reshaping policies, easing restrictions to make investments in the country more attractive and ultimately will open more employment opportunities for the Filipinos... We're proud Filipinos of having a Visionary President and at the same time a President full of humility...

[@coordinatorsview2447]

Act now

[@yongsilleza8089]

Thanks to US japan australia and other allied nations defending security and peace in the Indo Pacific regions we appreciate your concerns and mutual supports to us the philippines and other neighboring countries for chinas illigal claims on our own EEZs.

[@k.k.c8670]

OK colonial subject

[@Blazeeee18]

What country are you ? You've seen so racist to most on commenting here 😂 ​@@k.k.c8670

[@AngelakayeMiddleton]

❤ thanks for fighting for us we couldn't do with you

[@delbychannel5907]

To all allied forces its time to plan and act before its too late!

[@valentinoggesen2200]

Thanks 🙏 USA 🇺🇸 for your concern about peace ☮️ and stability around the globe 🌎 The world couldn’t be more safe and stability without USA 🇺🇸 So great full from the Philippines 🇵🇭 in Scandinavia, may God bless us all.

[@user-el3nv8pm1m]

Hopefully complet my Choice to Help a leadership partner in life …

[@jasons44]

Warfare has changed

[@k.k.c8670]

Roomful of agents of Lougheed Martin, General dynamics, Northrop, Raytheon, Boeing etc

[@joyceperez5505]

FARM SECURITY IS A BIG. ISSUE!!!...

[@JonSmith-zl5wc]

The eyes 👀 of the 🌎 🗺 🌏

[@janklaas6885]

📍1:58:26

[@babyboijeremy]

The U.S is playing catch up due to slow processes, caused by privitizing production.

[@czts4778]

I see a lot of gentlemen and ladies that are not concerned or convinced by the admiral aquilinos report. Usa are building it's debt and can't afford any increase in military build up.

[@sinag.hiraya]

we should unite for the world peace. ❤

[@animallife1877]

There is no peace forget that.. war is inevitable. Peace will only come when Lord is coming back but people to people there is still a war. There is one government after 3rd world war its a prophecy

[@AlvinDelaCruz-gz4em]

majorityof us filipino support US presence in the Indopacific!

[@jeanmcgeehon3296]

❤❤❤

[@zachthayer]

At 20:43 what you say in breeze please do lacamera mike Roger's your voice mail 334

[@AngelakayeMiddleton]

Why don't you not leave a message for lacarma

[@user-oj4gk6re2t]

Is there any country devote for other country? Which country will they choose between their country and yours. In case in bad situation? Don't be stupid!!!!!