The increasingly aggressive behavior of the People’s Republic of China is the primary reason behind the strengthening cooperation among the United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines, according to Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
“I think Japan, Australia and the Philippines understand that investments in deterrence are far less costly than dealing with a war that could have been prevented, and they understand that deterrence will be much stronger and more effective if they work with the United States and they work with each other,” Bowman told the Voice of America news outlet.
Airmen stationed at the 15th and 154th Wings in Hawaii work alongside our Allies and partners to provide unparalleled air power capabilities and expertise.
It was an honor to thank them for their service and sacrifice today. pic.twitter.com/j61FCmSK5p
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) May 4, 2024
The defense chiefs of the four nations gathered in Hawaii on Thursday for their second joint meeting, focusing on strengthening cooperation and addressing concerns about China’s operations in the South China Sea. The meeting followed the four nations’ first joint naval exercises in the disputed waterway last month.
Tensions have escalated between the Philippines and China over the resource-rich region, with China employing collision and ramming tactics, deploying undersea barriers and utilizing military-grade lasers to hinder Philippine resupply and patrol missions. China has expressed its intention to assert control over access to the South China Sea and bring Taiwan under its authority, even by force if necessary.
NATO Article 5 on collective defense does not apply to one of the US states, CNN citing a State Department representative.
In the event of an attack by a foreign army on the state of Hawaii, where the largest base of the US Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, is located, NATO allies… pic.twitter.com/WHTwko0eyv
— S p r i n t e r F a c t o r y (@Sprinterfactory) March 31, 2024
