Secretary Austin Strengthens Indo-Pacific Alliances During Regional Tour

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visited the Indo-Pacific for the twelfth time, stopping in Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Fiji. He attended the Australia-U.S.-Japan Trilateral Defense Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, and met with regional leaders.

During his trip, Secretary Austin aimed to strengthen alliances and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Australia

The U.S., Australia, and Japan are enhancing trilateral cooperation by:

• Integrating Japan into U.S. forces in Australia with annual trilateral training beginning in 2025.
• Opening major U.S.-Japan exercises to Australian participation.
• Improving integrated air and missile defense through live-fire events in exercises like TALISMAN SABRE.

The Philippines

The U.S. and the Philippines are modernizing their alliance by:

• Concluding a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) for sharing classified military data.
• Establishing a new Combined Coordination Center to enhance operational planning and response.

Laos

The U.S. is working with allies by:

• Announcing the second ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise for 2025 to promote maritime safety.
• Releasing the first U.S. Department of Defense Vision Statement for Southeast Asia to encourage cooperation with ASEAN.

Fiji

The U.S. and Fiji are building partnerships by:

• Launching negotiations for a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) to enhance cooperation.
• Signing an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) to improve logistics cooperation.
• Committing $4.9 million in new security assistance for Fiji’s military modernization, pending approval.