Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has said the U.S. is fully committed to Asia-Pacific countries’ political, economic and military ties that work to build on the region’s security network, DoD News reported Saturday.
Karen Parrish writes Carter spoke at the 15th annual International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that was attended by regional and world leaders.
Carter said the U.S. is committed to Asia-Pacific’s security network because the region represents almost half of the world’s population and economy and could affect American security and wealth, Parrish quoted.
Carter noted China and India will join the U.S.-hosted Rim of the Pacific Exercise in the summer while Japan and South Korea are collaborating in new ways, DoD News said.
He added the security network supports humanitarian and disaster response missions; anti-terrorism efforts; and the security and access to global and regional commons such as vital waterways, Parrish wrote.
