US assures allies of support vs aggression

MANILA, Philippines — The commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command assured allies that Washington will come to their aid in case of aggression as well as deter any potential aggressors.?

Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Singapore from May 30 to June 4 to participate in the Shangri-La Dialogue and met with senior military and government officials.?

Hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue is a defense summit focused on the Asia-Pacific region where ministers and defense leaders from across the globe gather to discuss pressing security challenges and engage in bilateral talks.  ?

Paparo spoke on the Shangri-La panel, “Deterrence and Reassurance in the Asia-Pacific,” where he highlighted strategic competition between major powers, including military capabilities, intentions and potential flashpoints.?

“Deterrence is our highest duty,” Paparo said. “It’s a result of capability and will, and the potential adversary’s awareness of the same.

It relies on the potential enemies believing the risk of military defeat, but also economic loss, diplomatic isolation or a combination of all of the above.”?

He added, “Assurance focuses on building trust and confidence... it intends to reassure that allies and partners will come to their aid in the case of aggression, fostering stability within alliances and partnerships and deterring potential aggressors.”?

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, Paparo hosted and participated in bilateral and multilateral meetings to underscore commitments to multinational engagements that showcase capabilities and increase understanding of regional challenges; efforts to enhance coordination and information-sharing arrangements and a deepening cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region to confront common threats and protect shared interests.?

He met with ministers of defense and senior military leaders from Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United Kingdom.?

While in Singapore, Paparo and INDOPACOM’s senior enlisted leader Fleet Master Chief David Isom engaged with leadership and personnel assigned to