Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently concluded his twelfth visit to the Indo-Pacific, making stops in Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Fiji. The trip included participation in several significant meetings such as the Australia-U.S.-Japan Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus.
The United States is taking steps to deepen trilateral cooperation with Australia and Japan. Initiatives include integrating Japan into U.S. force posture initiatives in Australia, announcing annual trilateral training beginning with TALISMAN SABRE 2025, expanding military exercises to include Australian participation, and advancing integrated air and missile defense cooperation.
In the Philippines, efforts are underway to modernize alliance capabilities between the United States and the Philippines. This includes concluding a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) for sharing classified information and establishing a new Combined Coordination Center at Camp Aguinaldo.
In Laos, Secretary Austin announced plans for a second ASEAN-United States Maritime Exercise in 2025 aimed at enhancing maritime safety. Additionally, he released "U.S. Department of Defense Vision Statement for a Prosperous and Secure Southeast Asia," promoting cooperation with ASEAN on various security fronts.
Fiji saw developments such as initiating negotiations on a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States and signing an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). These agreements aim to strengthen partnerships within Pacific Island Countries.
Secretary Austin's trip highlights ongoing efforts by the United States to build regional capacity and uphold international laws in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
