CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii – Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted a virtual meeting Jan. 12 with the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense to discuss their security priorities for 2022.

“Nations across the Indo-Pacific share a fundamental interest in maintaining prosperity, security, and an international rules-based order,” Adm. Aquilino said. “Continuous and open dialogue, where all nations contribute with an equal voice, serves to further our resolve and commitment to a peaceful, stable, free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Later this year, Australia will co-host the 24th Annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference. In announcing this news, General Angus Campbell, Australia’s Chief of Defence Force, welcomed the opportunity to progress issues of shared importance with counterparts across the Indo-Pacific.

“As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt across the Indo-Pacific, the importance of continuing our cooperation on security challenges cannot be overstated,” Gen. Campbell said. “I look forward to advancing our shared interests in health security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and information sharing, as we strive to create a more resilient, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

During the meeting, Adm. Aquilino delivered his impressions of the challenges and opportunities facing the Indo-Pacific region with an emphasis on how USINDOPACOM will work closely together with allies and partners to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Fellow Chiefs of Defense offered their diverse insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

“Peace, stability and prosperity ensured by free and open international order based on rule of law are indispensable for all countries,” said General Koji Yamazaki, Chief of Staff, Japan Joint Staff. “It is important to strengthen collaborative efforts among countries in the region through dialogue in order to achieve that goal. Japan will continue to deepen multinational discussions on how we should work together and will further strengthen and advance practical cooperation.”

This event was a continuation of the robust conversation that occurred in August 2021 at the in-person Chiefs of Defense conference in Honolulu.