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QUESTION: Thank you, Sabrina. The Defense Secretary Austin said at a congressional hearing that North Korea has gained confidence due to its close relationship with Russian President Putin, and is concerned about its solidarity with China, Russia, and Iran. What measures will the United States take to prevent military cooperation from these countries?
MS. SINGH: Yeah, Janne, I’d — I don’t have much more to add to what the Secretary said in front of Congress yesterday. I think he spoke quite well to this — is that we are concerned — we’re certainly concerned about the deepening relationship that the DPRK and Russia have, that — together with Iran, that that is fueling Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine as they continue to wage this illegal war and kill many innocent Ukrainian civilians.
So in terms of what we are doing as the United States, we continue to monitor. The Department of Defense, of course you’ve seen us strengthen our own relationships with Iraq, within the region. We continue to arm Ukraine with the weapons it needs on the battlefield. And then across the interagency, you’ve seen from — the Treasury Department announcing more sanctions on whether it be Russia, DPRK, and others.
So I — we certainly take this seriously, and we’re continuing to monitor as a department.
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QUESTION: Yesterday, Chinese Coast Guard have fired water cannon at two Philippine vessels, and which is (inaudible) tension in South China Sea. And tomorrow, Secretary Austin will meet Japan, the Philippine Defense Minister in Hawaii to strengthen commitment to the region. But what does the Pentagon expect Japan to do to maintain security in this region?
MS. SINGH: Well, look, I’m not going to speak on behalf of the Japanese government. I would refer you to them to speak to any actions that they’re taking. What you’re seeing though tomorrow with the Secretary’s meeting between the Philippines, Australia, Japan — it’s a second meeting of this type that’s being held. So what you’re seeing is a deepening of cooperation and security ties, and that’s incredibly important in the region.
In terms to what you’re referring to, I mean, we have and will continue to be clear with Beijing that these actions by the PRC put Filipino crews in danger, they’ve caused injuries, they’ve caused damage, they’re a complete disregard and violation of international law.
And so we stand firm with our Philippine — with the Philippines and our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, and we’re — and we really are doing historic work with Manila. We’re supporting their military modernization, we’re coordinating at every level of government.
And so that’s something that you’re going to see with Secretary Austin tomorrow, yet again another conversation building on the relationship from the past — you know, over the last four years. Great.
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Source: U.S. Department of Defense
Author: Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary
Format: Press Briefing
China Policy Research 