Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), met today in Singapore on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue to discuss U.S.-PRC defense relations, as well as regional and global security issues.

Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication between the United States and the PRC. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the announcement by President Biden and PRC President Xi Jinping in November 2023 that both sides will resume telephone conversations between theater commanders in the coming months, and the Secretary welcomed plans to convene a crisis-communications working group by the end of the year.

The Secretary expressed concern about recent provocative PLA activity around the Taiwan Strait, and he reiterated that the PRC should not use Taiwan’s political transition — part of a normal, routine democratic process — as a pretext for coercive measures.  The Secretary underscored that the United States remains committed to its longstanding one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances. He also reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The Secretary made clear that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate — safely and responsibly — wherever international law allows.  He underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea. He also discussed Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine and the PRC’s role in supporting Russia’s defense industrial base. The Secretary also expressed concerns about recent provocations from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), including its direct contributions to Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine.

Today’s meeting follows the Secretary’s April 16 video teleconference call with the Admiral. Department officials will continue active discussions with their PRC counterparts about future engagements between defense and military officials at multiple levels.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

As Asian American Pacific Islander Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander month draws to a close, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Office of Women, Peace & Security (USINDOPACOM WPS) spotlights leaders in the Pacific Islands working at the nexus of human rights and defense strategy.

Partnering to Build Climate Resilience:

Partner organizations such as Transcend Oceania, Pacific Center for Peacebuilding, femLINKpacific, and the Pacific Disaster Center are working every day to advance sustainable solutions to mitigate climate change impacts, advance food security, and promote effective disaster responses. Listen to leaders discuss their work in a podcast series on Building Inclusive Resilience in the Pacific produced by USINDOPACOM WPS partner Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS).

The series is just one output from a workshop on Advancing Women, Peace, and Security: Building Inclusive Resilience in the Pacific delivered by USINDOPACOM WPS, the Center for Naval Analysis (CNA), and WCAPS in August 2023.

The WPS Team continuously works with organizations such as CNA, and WCAPS to apply the guiding principles of United Nations Security Council 1325 on WPS, which acknowledges the unique impact of conflict and crisis on women and girls; recognizes women’s full participation in peace and security processes; and calls for Member States to incorporate a gender perspective within their institutions.

Additional Resources:

Watch the Climate Security event in Fiji here: https://fb.watch/oEBq6Yphjn/

Listen to the WCAPS Podcast on Building Inclusive Resilience in the Pacific here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oRCm9i5GJZA8tSpcHiS9W

Review an executive summary of the Climate Security event here: https://www.cna.org/reports/2023/11/Building-Inclusive-Resilience-in-the-Pacific.pdf

USINDOPACOM articles:

U.S. and Pacific Islands Elevate Women’s Leadership in Climate Security in Two-day Workshop > U.S. Indo-Pacific Command > 2015 (pacom.mil)

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea  –  

In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting Women, Peace and Security (WPS) as a capability to enhance Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) institutional and organizational effectiveness, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recently partnered with the PNGDF to conduct a second comprehensive Gender Focal Point training course at the Kumul Leadership Center, Murray Barracks, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from May 20-24, 2024.

The course was facilitated by the PNGDF Gender Committee with support from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Office of WPS, and trained gender advisors with the Wisconsin Air National Guard and Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3. The intensive course focused on equipping PNGDF personnel with the tools necessary to integrate gender perspectives into their operational strategies. Participants, representing diverse backgrounds within PNGDF, engaged in comprehensive training focused on understanding gender as a core component to sustainable human security outcomes for PNG.

“Gender focal point training is geared toward giving the members of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force the tools required to provide a gender perspective and advise their leaders and commanders in military operations,” explained Mr. Chris Pasion, a planner for USINDOPACOM’s Office of WPS.

Throughout the program, participants delved into foundational concepts such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on WPS, understanding the distinctions between sex and gender, conducting gender analysis, and providing recommendations to their leadership.

“Most of the time we say gender equality, but we forget about equity. We must make an environment suitable for everyone to meet the needs of men, women, boys, and girls,” said PNGDF 2nd Lt. Babbra Thomas, a student in the course. “This is not just a women’s issue, this is all of our issue.”

This training was specifically tailored to build upon previous training and designed to facilitate PNGDF gender focal point capacity development through content delivery and small group facilitation. The PNGDF Gender Committee played a pivotal role in leading the course, demonstrating their commitment to fostering gender inclusivity within the defense force.

“The course was beneficial, especially given the increasing presence of female soldiers in our ranks. It has provided me with valuable insights into effectively working with both genders,” stated PNGDF Cpl. Ezekiel Davis. “I plan to educate my colleagues about gender-based violence and encourage male involvement in supporting women.”

The professionalism and leadership of the PNGDF Gender Committee ensured the training was relevant. By tailoring course content to the specific needs of the PNGDF, they supported the development of a resilient force capable of providing sustainable responses to an evolving complex human security landscape.

“Most of the time, we forget about men’s vulnerabilities to gender-based violence. Gender perspective must encompass the needs of all genders,” emphasized Thomas. “I now feel I have the knowledge to raise awareness and promote male involvement in my workspace.”

With the conclusion of the program, participants emerged as gender focal points, equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for gender initiatives within the PNGDF. The collaboration between the PNGDF and U.S. DoD underscores the commitment to fostering gender responsive initiatives within the PNGDF operational environment.

“It’s gratifying to witness the commitment of PNGDF personnel to enhancing security through gender-inclusive practices,” remarked Pasion.

As PNGDF continues to prioritize Gender, Peace and Security awareness, they stand poised to make significant strides within its organization and beyond. Through targeted training programs, PNGDF reaffirms its dedication to fostering gender inclusivity for all its personnel.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Starting on May 29, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to the Indo-Pacific region for the tenth time since taking office. His trip will occur as the Department of Defense continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners to advance regional peace, stability, and deterrence.

The Secretary will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, meet with regional counterparts, and deliver plenary remarks highlighting a new convergence of likeminded Indo-Pacific partners who share a vision for a free and open region. He will also travel to Cambodia for meetings with senior officials following his first trip to the country as Secretary of Defense in November 2022.

Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has delivered historic results in the Indo-Pacific by investing in regional capability, transforming U.S. force posture, and connecting allies and partners.

CONNECTING ALLIES AND PARTNERS 

The United States is joining together with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen regional peace and security, including through bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral efforts with:

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), following the launch of an Emerging Leaders’ Defense Fellowship Program for young civilian and defense leaders in Southeast Asia.
• Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), following the 2023 completion of a multi-year trilateral exercise plan and the full activation of a real-time DPRK missile warning data-sharing mechanism — two key deliverables announced at the August 2023 Camp David Summit. 
• Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, following the second-ever meeting of defense ministers from all four countries in May 2024, where they advanced their multilateral collaboration in support of a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.
• AUKUS partners, Australia and United Kingdom, following progress on advanced capabilities cooperation and implementation of the Optimal Pathway for Australia to obtain conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. 
• The Freely Associated States, following the March 2024 passage of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act by Congress, which funded the economic assistance at the heart of the Compacts of Free Association into the 2040s and supported U.S. defense ties with three vital Pacific Islands partners.
• Allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region, with combined operations that enhance interoperability, boost deterrence, and demonstrate shared resolve against coercive behavior, including:
  • Exercise BALIKATAN with the Philippines, which featured more than 16,000 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military, as well as Australian and French forces.
  • Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD with Indonesia and 17 other nations represented, which featured more than 4,000 service members who participated in amphibious and airborne operations training, as well as command and control simulation.
  • Exercise COBRA GOLD with Thailand, which included 4,500 U.S. service members and participation from over 30 nations, including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the ROK. 
  • Exercise FREEDOM SHIELD with the ROK, a large-scale combined field exercise which featured more than 18,000 combined U.S. and ROK military forces and built combat readiness, as well as interoperability among participating units.

TRANSFORMING U.S. FORCE POSTURE

Under President Biden’s leadership, the United States has delivered historic achievements with allies and partners to make U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region more mobile, distributed, resilient, and lethal, including by:

• Forward deploying the Marine Corps’ most advanced formation — a U.S. Marine Littoral Regiment — to Japan by 2025, significantly enhancing combat-credible deterrence.
• Bolstering deterrence and increasing strategic asset rotations to the Korean Peninsula, including visits by U.S. carrier strike groups, port calls by U.S. ballistic missile and U.S. guided missile submarines, and the first landing of a U.S. nuclear-capable B-52 on the Peninsula in decades.
• Requesting more than $120 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites across the Philippines through the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2025, following the February 2023 announcement by the United States and the Philippines that the two countries would designate four new EDCA sites in strategic areas of the Philippines.
• Launching a series of force posture initiatives with Australia, including more expeditionary visits of U.S. submarines, increased rotations of U.S. bombers and fighters, expanded Marine and ground forces cooperation, and continuing upgrades of key bases in Australia.
• Concluding a Defense Cooperation Agreement with Papua New Guinea (PNG) that builds on decades of bilateral defense and security cooperation, strengthens the U.S.-PNG relationship, and increases regional stability and security.

INVESTING IN REGIONAL CAPABILITY 

The United States is deploying cutting-edge military capabilities in the near term, developing long-term capabilities to maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, and supporting allies and partners as they invest in their own strength by:

• Proposing major investments in U.S. military capabilities through the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2025, including $61.2 billion for air power; $48.1 billion for sea power; $33.7 billion for vital space capabilities; $14.5 billion for cyberspace activities; $4 billion to increase submarine production rates and availability; and $9.9 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which will invest in military construction, logistical support operations, and ballistic missile defense activities.
• Working closely with the Philippines to conclude a bilateral Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, which will guide shared defense modernization investments that bolster combined deterrence, improve the Philippines’ capacity to resist coercion, and enhance interoperability.
• Supporting Japan as it seeks to substantially increase its defense budget and acquires new capabilities — including counterstrike — to strengthen regional deterrence.
• Modernizing the U.S.-ROK alliance through bilateral consultations, exercises, and asset deployments to strengthen peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
• Collaborating with India on defense industry and innovation through the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), co-production of armed combat vehicles and jet engines, and mid-voyage repairs of U.S. vessels.  
• Delivering greater maritime transparency through the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), which enhances partners’ abilities to monitor and police their waters.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) May 27 and May 29 launches using ballistic missile technology in direct violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).  These launches continue the DPRK’s reckless behavior, which poses a grave threat to the Korean Peninsula, the region, and international peace and security and undermine the global non-proliferation regime.  The United States reiterates that its commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan are ironclad.

The DPRK’s actions will only intensify its isolation as it undermines stability and security on the Korean Peninsula.  We will continue to work closely with the international community to disrupt the DPRK’s illicit revenue generation, which supports its UNSCR-prohibited weapons programs through the exploitation of overseas workers and malicious cyber activities.  We condemn the DPRK regime’s decision to divert scarce resources away from the North Korean people toward its weapons programs.

These launches serve as a reminder of the need for all countries to fully implement DPRK-related UNSCRs that prohibit the DPRK from acquiring technologies and materials to advance its WMD and ballistic missile programs.  We urge the DPRK to abide by relevant UNSCRs and immediately cease all activities that violate them.  Together with the international community, we call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocations and accept our call for engaging in substantive dialogue without preconditions.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TOKYO – Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), visited Japan from May 27-29, 2024 for the first time since assuming command earlier this month.
Paparo met with senior Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa, Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara, Japan Joint Staff Chief of Staff Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, and Deputy National Security Advisor Atsuo Suzuki. He underscored the U.S. commitment to advance our shared interest of a more peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.  Discussions included the DPRK’s recent missile launch and persistent violations of UN Security Council Resolutions, and trilateral cooperation between Japan, Philippine and U.S. forces following April’s first-ever leaders-level trilateral summit.
Paparo expressed appreciation to Japan for its leadership in building alliances with like-minded partners for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both the U.S. and Japan underscored their commitment to upholding alliance agreements and the shared fundamental values of freedom, democracy and the rules-based international order in accordance with international law.
Paparo was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and Brig. Gen. George Rowell IV, deputy commander of U.S. Forces Japan.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KUANTAN, Malaysia  –  

Members of the Malaysian and United States armed forces are scheduled to participate in Tiger Strike 2024, a bilateral training exercise in Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, from May 29 to June 6, 2024.

The intent of TS 24 is to increase combined, joint combat readiness and amphibious capabilities that can be applied across a range of military operations at sea and ashore.

TS 24 allows participating forces to share best training practices across a wide variety of military skills, amphibious operations, live-fire ranges, unmanned aerial systems employment, urban operations, jungle operations and survival, reconnaissance and multi-domain awareness (MDA), engineering, medical, and improving communication and coordination between our two militaries.

“Engagements with countries such as Malaysia reflects the importance of our relationships with our Indo-Pacific Allies and partners,” said Capt. Tate Robinson, commodore, Amphibious Squadron Five. “Training opportunities such as Tiger Strike allow us to work side-by-side with our Malaysian counterparts to refine our common defense requirements and meet national security objectives.”

TS 24 is a bilateral exercise that provides an opportunity for Malaysia and the United States to enhance communication and build combined combat readiness to strengthen the shared commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Over the next week, our Marines and Sailors will embrace the opportunity to train both in the field and at sea with our Malaysian partners,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “This exercise prepares us for our intended purpose, which is to be a combined force ready to respond to crisis if one were to arise.”

The exercise will include approximately 300 service members from the 10th Parachute Brigade and approximately 1,100 U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 15th MEU and amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25).

Somerset and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are under the command and control of Commander, Task Force 76/3, employed by U.S. 7th Fleet to operate with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Following the tragic landslides in Enga, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide 2 million Kina ($500,000 USD) for emergency humanitarian assistance. USAID’s relief efforts will include logistics support, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. USAID will leverage existing partnerships with PNG’s National Disaster Centre and Provincial Disaster Centres to ensure that relief meets the needs of the affected communities.

In a May 24 statement, U.S. President Joe Biden pledged United States support to the people and government of PNG and shared his personal condolences, “Jill and I are heartbroken by the loss of life and devastation caused by the landslide in Papua New Guinea.”

Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock emphasized the U.S. commitment, “the United States is working with our Papua New Guinean partners as they lead rescue and recovery efforts. This assistance will help meet the immediate needs of the people of Enga province as they begin rebuilding their lives.”

USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance disaster response experts are working with the government, humanitarian partners, and donors and to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and tailored to the needs of communities affected by the landslide.

USAID partners with Papua New Guinea to support electrification, promote good governance, increase resilience to climate change, protect biodiversity, strengthen health systems, and prepare for and respond to disasters.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.  –  

A U.S. Army lieutenant colonel has led the charge to connect and develop a new generation of military leaders in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community.

Lt. Col. Seth T. Varayon has championed connecting and developing the U.S. Army’s AANHPI culture over the past few years.

Varayon currently serves as the information operations officer and future operations planner for the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Soldiers and Army civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command deploy from 19 bases in 16 states to confront and defeat the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and multinational operations.

A first-generation Thai American officer from McLean, Virginia, Varayon was commissioned as an infantry officer in May 2007.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and his master’s degree in adult education and leadership from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.

Varayon has served in staff and leadership positions from the platoon to division level in light infantry and combined arms formations. During three deployments to Afghanistan, Varayon earned three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.

He has also served on a unit rotation to South Korea.

Varayon is the co-founder and chief administrator of the Asian and Pacific Islander Army Officers network, which consists of nearly 2,000 former, current and future commissioned and warrant officers across the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve and sister services.

“This group stresses inclusion, so there are officers from other services as well,” said Varayon. “Over time, we have realized that the benefits of this group are universal, and that the next evolution will focus on an expanded group of Total Army AANHPI – that means Soldiers, NCOs, warrant officers, commission officers, families, Army civilians and Soldiers for Life.”

Varayon recently moderated an FAPAC panel called the “SES pipeline” that included Dr. Michelle Zbylut, the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Army for Diversity and Inclusion; Young Bang, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology); and Hong Miller, the Chief Human Capital Officer at Army Futures Command.

He also spoke at the Pentagon’s Joint AANHPI Heritage Month Observance at the Pentagon Auditorium, May 15.

“Since I was a young lieutenant, I’ve always enjoyed the numerous Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month events and observances in May,” said Varayon.

“Each year, the guest speaker or speakers were usually the highest ranking and notable AANHPIs on the post or in the surrounding area,” said Varayon. “Seeing and hearing these inspiring stories from these AANHPI leaders over the years lit a fire within me to one day pay it back to others following in our footsteps.”

Varayon won the 2022 FAPAC Uniformed Services Award in the Army Category because of his involvement with the Asian and Pacific Islander Army Officers network. He has volunteered to serve as the FAPAC Awards Committee chairperson for the past two years.

Varayon said the FAPAC Pentagon event theme of “Advancing Leaders through Innovation” applies to the important role that mentors and coaches have in molding the leaders who will guide the U.S. military and the nation it defends into the future.

“Innovation, resilience and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership,” said Varayon. “AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements and social and political change through their ingenuity and creativity while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers.”

He offered some examples of how Soldiers can advance leaders through innovation.

“I can advance leaders through innovation by introducing a mentorship program if my organization does not have one,” said Varayon. “Mentoring and coaching aren’t innovative in the sense that they have never been done before but being deliberate about innovating some aspect of yourself or your organization to advance leaders can be just as effective.”