Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, has completed her visit to Singapore and the Philippines. The trip aimed to strengthen defense ties and advance mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit followed her engagements in Cambodia for the U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue.
In Singapore, Updegrove emphasized the United States' commitment to its defense relationship with Singapore. She met with Ministry of Defense Deputy Secretary (Policy) Frederick Choo to discuss regional security issues, including those in the South China Sea. Discussions with Deputy Secretary (Technology) BG Yew Chee Leung focused on cooperation in data, analytics, and artificial intelligence. They also discussed the U.S.-Singapore Joint Innovation Challenge. Additionally, Updegrove visited Sembawang Wharves, highlighting bilateral activities such as U.S. rotations of Littoral Combat Ships.
During her time in the Philippines, Updegrove worked on advancing the U.S.-Philippines Alliance. She held discussions with Ignacio Madriaga from the Department of National Defense; Maria Theresa Lazaro from the Department of Foreign Affairs; Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga from American Affairs; and other officials about strengthening defense ties and addressing regional challenges.
Updegrove's visit included a tour of an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement location in Palawan and meetings with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command to explore further support opportunities.
