1 00:00:00,009 --> 00:00:02,231 Introduce our secretaries and ministers 2 00:00:02,231 --> 00:00:04,590 today us , Secretary of Defense Lloyd 3 00:00:04,599 --> 00:00:06,679 Austin the third , the Deputy Prime 4 00:00:06,690 --> 00:00:08,746 Minister and Minister of Defense for 5 00:00:08,746 --> 00:00:10,634 Australia , the honorable Richard 6 00:00:10,634 --> 00:00:12,857 Marles Minister for Defense for Japan , 7 00:00:12,857 --> 00:00:14,857 the honorable Manure Kihara and the 8 00:00:14,857 --> 00:00:16,746 Philippines Secretary of National 9 00:00:16,746 --> 00:00:18,579 Defense , the honorable Gilberto 10 00:00:18,579 --> 00:00:20,190 Teodoro Junior . Each of the 11 00:00:20,190 --> 00:00:22,357 secretaries and ministers will deliver 12 00:00:22,357 --> 00:00:24,468 opening remarks and then have time to 13 00:00:24,468 --> 00:00:26,690 take a few questions . Please note that 14 00:00:26,690 --> 00:00:28,690 I will moderate those questions and 15 00:00:28,690 --> 00:00:30,523 call on journalists with that Mr 16 00:00:30,523 --> 00:00:32,523 Secretary or Secretary Austin . The 17 00:00:32,523 --> 00:00:34,746 floor is yours , sir ? Thanks Patrick . 18 00:00:34,746 --> 00:00:36,857 Well , good afternoon , everyone . Uh 19 00:00:36,857 --> 00:00:38,968 Deputy Prime Minister Morals Minister 20 00:00:38,968 --> 00:00:42,049 Kihara , Secretary Teodoro , it's been 21 00:00:42,060 --> 00:00:44,900 great to welcome you to Camp Smith and 22 00:00:44,909 --> 00:00:46,853 it's been great to be back here in 23 00:00:46,853 --> 00:00:48,930 Honolulu . I wanna thank Admiral 24 00:00:48,990 --> 00:00:51,020 Aquilino and Indo Paycom for their 25 00:00:51,029 --> 00:00:53,970 hospitality on the eve of tomorrow's 26 00:00:53,979 --> 00:00:57,020 change of command ceremony . Earlier 27 00:00:57,029 --> 00:00:59,580 today , I had the chance to meet with 28 00:00:59,590 --> 00:01:01,423 Deputy Prime Minister Marles and 29 00:01:01,423 --> 00:01:04,029 Minister Kihara . We discussed how we 30 00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:06,207 can deepen our trilateral co-operation 31 00:01:06,207 --> 00:01:08,660 to strengthen stability and security 32 00:01:08,860 --> 00:01:11,309 throughout the Indo Pacific . And 33 00:01:11,319 --> 00:01:14,239 together with the Secretary Teodoro , 34 00:01:14,250 --> 00:01:17,730 we held an historic meeting to further 35 00:01:17,739 --> 00:01:20,459 deepen the defense relationships among 36 00:01:20,470 --> 00:01:23,790 our four countries . Just last year in 37 00:01:23,800 --> 00:01:25,967 Singapore , the Defense Ministers from 38 00:01:25,967 --> 00:01:28,639 Australia , Japan , the Philippines and 39 00:01:28,650 --> 00:01:31,069 the United States met together for the 40 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:33,849 first time . Today's meeting . The 41 00:01:33,860 --> 00:01:36,279 second of its kind built on that 42 00:01:36,290 --> 00:01:38,980 momentum and it helped advance a vision 43 00:01:39,300 --> 00:01:41,919 that our four democracies share for a 44 00:01:41,930 --> 00:01:45,230 free and open Indo Pacific . I'm proud 45 00:01:45,239 --> 00:01:47,128 of all that the United States has 46 00:01:47,128 --> 00:01:49,309 attained with each of your countries . 47 00:01:49,319 --> 00:01:51,486 Gentlemen , since President Biden took 48 00:01:51,486 --> 00:01:53,629 office and I'm proud that all that 49 00:01:53,639 --> 00:01:56,900 we've achieved together . Just last 50 00:01:56,910 --> 00:01:59,330 month , our four militaries conducted a 51 00:01:59,339 --> 00:02:02,760 maritime co-operative activity in the 52 00:02:02,769 --> 00:02:06,169 Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone . 53 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:08,833 This was the second multilateral 54 00:02:08,833 --> 00:02:10,889 co-operative activity of its kind in 55 00:02:10,899 --> 00:02:13,940 the last 12 months alone , activities 56 00:02:13,949 --> 00:02:16,020 like this don't just strengthen our 57 00:02:16,029 --> 00:02:18,929 interoperability . They also build bond 58 00:02:19,259 --> 00:02:21,899 bonds among our forces and they 59 00:02:21,910 --> 00:02:23,910 underscore our shared commitment to 60 00:02:23,910 --> 00:02:25,966 international law in the South China 61 00:02:25,966 --> 00:02:28,250 Sea . Now , we also talked about the 62 00:02:28,259 --> 00:02:30,279 security landscape across the Indo 63 00:02:30,350 --> 00:02:32,889 Pacific and discussed new initiatives 64 00:02:32,899 --> 00:02:35,720 to make the region more stable and 65 00:02:35,729 --> 00:02:38,850 secure . We're looking to conduct more 66 00:02:38,860 --> 00:02:41,490 maritime exercises and activities among 67 00:02:41,500 --> 00:02:44,389 our four countries . We also want to 68 00:02:44,399 --> 00:02:46,750 pursue co ordinated security assistance 69 00:02:46,759 --> 00:02:49,410 to the Philippines that will boost 70 00:02:49,419 --> 00:02:51,279 interoperability and help the 71 00:02:51,289 --> 00:02:53,350 Philippines achieve its defense 72 00:02:53,360 --> 00:02:56,000 modernization goals . So it's been a 73 00:02:56,009 --> 00:02:58,610 highly productive day . We've gathered 74 00:02:58,619 --> 00:03:00,710 here because we share a vision for 75 00:03:00,720 --> 00:03:03,490 peace , stability and deterrence in the 76 00:03:03,500 --> 00:03:05,949 Indo Pacific , we've chartered an 77 00:03:05,960 --> 00:03:08,182 ambitious course to advance that vision 78 00:03:08,182 --> 00:03:10,639 together and that's why today's 79 00:03:10,649 --> 00:03:13,990 meetings were so important So ministers , 80 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,000 thanks again for joining me here in 81 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:19,820 Honolulu and Richard over to you . Well , 82 00:03:19,830 --> 00:03:22,750 thank you , Secretary Austin Minister 83 00:03:23,029 --> 00:03:26,050 Kihara Secretary Teodoro . It is a 84 00:03:26,059 --> 00:03:28,190 pleasure and an honor to be standing 85 00:03:28,330 --> 00:03:31,220 with the three of you here today . 86 00:03:31,809 --> 00:03:35,429 Um We meet at a time when the global 87 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:38,509 rules based order uh is under intense 88 00:03:38,520 --> 00:03:41,309 pressure . We see that in Ukraine with 89 00:03:41,320 --> 00:03:44,559 the appalling invasion by Russia of 90 00:03:44,570 --> 00:03:46,626 that country . But we see the global 91 00:03:46,626 --> 00:03:49,059 rules based order under pressure in the 92 00:03:49,070 --> 00:03:51,610 Indo Pacific as well . And a challenge 93 00:03:51,619 --> 00:03:53,563 to the global rules based order in 94 00:03:53,563 --> 00:03:55,619 Ukraine is a challenge to the global 95 00:03:55,619 --> 00:03:57,990 rules based order in the East China Sea , 96 00:03:58,000 --> 00:04:00,056 in the South China Sea , in the West 97 00:04:00,056 --> 00:04:02,619 Philippine Sea . And our poor countries 98 00:04:02,630 --> 00:04:05,669 are utterly committed to asserting 99 00:04:05,679 --> 00:04:07,735 freedom of navigation , to asserting 100 00:04:07,735 --> 00:04:09,957 the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 101 00:04:09,957 --> 00:04:11,957 to asserting the global rules based 102 00:04:11,957 --> 00:04:14,123 order around the oceans of the world , 103 00:04:14,123 --> 00:04:16,290 including in the West Philippine Sea . 104 00:04:17,029 --> 00:04:19,251 Our alliance with the United States has 105 00:04:19,251 --> 00:04:21,251 been the cornerstone of Australia's 106 00:04:21,251 --> 00:04:23,480 national security since World War two . 107 00:04:23,940 --> 00:04:27,079 and today , the security relationship 108 00:04:27,089 --> 00:04:30,040 that we have with both Japan and with 109 00:04:30,049 --> 00:04:32,980 the Philippines has never been closer . 110 00:04:33,160 --> 00:04:34,882 But as close as our respective 111 00:04:34,882 --> 00:04:37,570 bilateral relationships are , there is 112 00:04:37,579 --> 00:04:41,114 a power and a significance in our four 113 00:04:41,125 --> 00:04:44,674 countries acting together . And today , 114 00:04:44,684 --> 00:04:46,834 the meetings that we have held 115 00:04:46,845 --> 00:04:49,535 represent a very significant message to 116 00:04:49,545 --> 00:04:52,015 the region . Uh and to the world about 117 00:04:52,024 --> 00:04:54,954 four democracies which are committed to 118 00:04:54,964 --> 00:04:57,975 the global rules based order . Uh In 119 00:04:57,984 --> 00:05:00,600 our discussions today , we've spoken 120 00:05:00,609 --> 00:05:03,160 about an increased tempo of defense 121 00:05:03,170 --> 00:05:06,769 exercises based on the reciprocal 122 00:05:06,779 --> 00:05:08,668 access agreements , the status of 123 00:05:08,668 --> 00:05:10,835 forces agreements that we have between 124 00:05:10,835 --> 00:05:12,668 our countries or which are being 125 00:05:12,668 --> 00:05:16,320 negotiated . Uh We have uh been very 126 00:05:16,329 --> 00:05:19,010 pleased to sign the research 127 00:05:19,019 --> 00:05:21,529 development testing and evaluation 128 00:05:21,540 --> 00:05:24,309 arrangement uh with Japan and with the 129 00:05:24,320 --> 00:05:26,376 United States . And this arrangement 130 00:05:26,380 --> 00:05:29,209 will uh see much greater collaboration 131 00:05:29,220 --> 00:05:31,276 between our countries in relation to 132 00:05:31,276 --> 00:05:33,670 defense science and technology . And 133 00:05:33,679 --> 00:05:35,846 we've also discussed ways in which our 134 00:05:35,846 --> 00:05:38,720 countries can coordinate more in terms 135 00:05:38,730 --> 00:05:41,470 of our activities in the Philippines , 136 00:05:41,480 --> 00:05:44,209 which is very important as well . As I 137 00:05:44,220 --> 00:05:47,519 said , we are uh for people who have a 138 00:05:47,529 --> 00:05:49,696 very close personal relationship which 139 00:05:49,696 --> 00:05:51,700 reflects um the significance of the 140 00:05:51,709 --> 00:05:53,839 relationship between our countries uh 141 00:05:53,850 --> 00:05:55,906 and the determination and commitment 142 00:05:55,906 --> 00:05:57,794 that we have as four countries to 143 00:05:57,794 --> 00:06:00,049 upholding the global rules based order 144 00:06:00,059 --> 00:06:02,369 within our region . And Australia has 145 00:06:02,380 --> 00:06:04,190 been very pleased to be able to 146 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:06,440 participate in today's meetings . Uh 147 00:06:06,450 --> 00:06:09,065 Finally , can I just say uh the United 148 00:06:09,075 --> 00:06:11,445 States Indo Pacific Command um is 149 00:06:11,454 --> 00:06:13,885 profoundly important to the national 150 00:06:13,894 --> 00:06:17,154 security of Australia . Uh but also the 151 00:06:17,165 --> 00:06:19,387 countries of the region . And I want to 152 00:06:19,387 --> 00:06:21,554 take this opportunity to thank Admiral 153 00:06:21,554 --> 00:06:24,274 Chris Aquilino for his service um in 154 00:06:24,285 --> 00:06:26,524 this command during his tenure of 155 00:06:26,535 --> 00:06:29,404 office , he is a dear friend of 156 00:06:29,415 --> 00:06:31,804 Australia and we wish him very much the 157 00:06:31,815 --> 00:06:34,480 best for his future . Uh in the same 158 00:06:34,489 --> 00:06:37,880 breath . Um I'd also like to uh say how 159 00:06:37,890 --> 00:06:40,220 much we are looking forward to uh 160 00:06:40,230 --> 00:06:43,529 Admiral Sam PPAR taking up his role as 161 00:06:43,540 --> 00:06:46,160 the commander of Indo Pacific command . 162 00:06:46,760 --> 00:06:48,982 I've had the opportunity to get to know 163 00:06:48,982 --> 00:06:51,589 Admiral Parro over the last few years , 164 00:06:51,959 --> 00:06:53,792 excuse me . And I know that this 165 00:06:53,792 --> 00:06:56,339 command could not be in a safer or 166 00:06:56,350 --> 00:06:58,820 better pair of hands . And so with that , 167 00:06:58,829 --> 00:07:01,899 we wish both men um all the best for 168 00:07:01,910 --> 00:07:03,243 the handover tomorrow . 169 00:07:14,670 --> 00:07:16,920 First and foremost , I would like to 170 00:07:16,929 --> 00:07:19,440 express my heartfelt gratitude to 171 00:07:19,450 --> 00:07:22,130 Secretary Austin D PM . Miles . 172 00:07:22,140 --> 00:07:25,290 Secretary to Teodoro and everyone 173 00:07:25,299 --> 00:07:27,299 involved for your effort to realize 174 00:07:27,299 --> 00:07:29,290 this meeting . While the security 175 00:07:29,299 --> 00:07:32,130 environment surround us is facing even 176 00:07:32,140 --> 00:07:34,920 harsher challenges . It is extremely 177 00:07:34,929 --> 00:07:37,750 vital for us allies and like-minded 178 00:07:37,760 --> 00:07:39,809 countries to cooper and collaborate 179 00:07:39,820 --> 00:07:43,510 with each other in order to 180 00:07:43,519 --> 00:07:45,399 maintain and bolster peace and 181 00:07:45,410 --> 00:07:47,709 stability of the Indo Pacific region 182 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:50,640 under such circumstances . It is 183 00:07:50,649 --> 00:07:54,320 extremely significant that 184 00:07:54,739 --> 00:07:58,480 we are able to hold second meeting 185 00:07:58,980 --> 00:08:01,260 of the Japan um A us , Australia , 186 00:08:01,269 --> 00:08:03,491 Japan and Philippine Defense Ministries 187 00:08:03,491 --> 00:08:06,920 meeting . And to furthermore to be able 188 00:08:06,929 --> 00:08:08,596 to hold the first joint press 189 00:08:08,596 --> 00:08:11,299 conference on the four nations . We 190 00:08:11,309 --> 00:08:13,476 stand by together with all the nations 191 00:08:13,476 --> 00:08:16,220 who share common vision of the free and 192 00:08:16,230 --> 00:08:18,679 open Indo Pacific , which is the 193 00:08:18,690 --> 00:08:20,899 foundation of the peaceful and stable 194 00:08:20,910 --> 00:08:23,700 Indo Pacific region . Japan . I 195 00:08:23,709 --> 00:08:25,839 consider it is the most important to 196 00:08:25,850 --> 00:08:27,794 maintain and bolster free and open 197 00:08:27,794 --> 00:08:29,906 international order based on the rule 198 00:08:29,906 --> 00:08:32,017 of law . I express explained the East 199 00:08:32,017 --> 00:08:34,169 China Sea situation in the meeting as 200 00:08:34,179 --> 00:08:36,710 well as also issues around South China 201 00:08:36,719 --> 00:08:39,440 Sea is the valid interest matters of 202 00:08:39,450 --> 00:08:41,700 the international society including the 203 00:08:41,710 --> 00:08:44,299 four nations which is directly related 204 00:08:44,309 --> 00:08:46,198 to the peace and stability of the 205 00:08:46,198 --> 00:08:48,253 region . We stand united to strongly 206 00:08:48,253 --> 00:08:51,859 oppose any attempt to unilaterally 207 00:08:51,869 --> 00:08:53,813 change the status quo of the South 208 00:08:53,813 --> 00:08:56,780 China Sea by force or and any activity 209 00:08:56,789 --> 00:08:59,011 to heighten the tension in the region . 210 00:08:59,619 --> 00:09:02,200 Last month , we had a joint exercise 211 00:09:02,210 --> 00:09:04,210 with us Australia , Philippines and 212 00:09:04,210 --> 00:09:07,070 Japan in the South China Sea . This was 213 00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:09,059 the first joint maritime cooper 214 00:09:09,280 --> 00:09:12,479 activities MC A by the four nations to 215 00:09:12,489 --> 00:09:14,711 strengthen the regional cooperations to 216 00:09:14,711 --> 00:09:16,767 realize free and open Indo Pacific . 217 00:09:17,369 --> 00:09:19,859 And at that opportunity , the four 218 00:09:19,869 --> 00:09:22,479 ministers who are present today issued 219 00:09:22,489 --> 00:09:25,109 a joint statement demonstrated that the 220 00:09:25,119 --> 00:09:27,179 solidarity of our foreign nations to 221 00:09:27,190 --> 00:09:29,246 the international society . We would 222 00:09:29,246 --> 00:09:31,412 like to continue to pursue the further 223 00:09:31,412 --> 00:09:33,390 opportunities of cooperations . 224 00:09:33,400 --> 00:09:35,622 Currently , we are under negotiation to 225 00:09:35,622 --> 00:09:38,429 reach ra a reciprocal access agreement 226 00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:40,390 with the Philippines . The early 227 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:42,440 settlement of this negotiation will 228 00:09:42,450 --> 00:09:45,690 further activate and Vitalize the um 229 00:09:45,700 --> 00:09:48,580 bilateral joint exercise and training 230 00:09:48,590 --> 00:09:50,701 of the Philippines and Japan military 231 00:09:50,701 --> 00:09:52,923 units and expected to contribute to the 232 00:09:52,923 --> 00:09:54,868 reinforcement cooper of the cooper 233 00:09:54,868 --> 00:09:56,812 operation among the four nations . 234 00:09:56,812 --> 00:09:58,979 Japan , Japan is determined to further 235 00:09:58,979 --> 00:10:01,146 strengthen the cooper operation of the 236 00:10:01,146 --> 00:10:03,034 four nations and we will make all 237 00:10:03,034 --> 00:10:05,090 possible efforts to secure peace and 238 00:10:05,090 --> 00:10:07,146 stability of the Indo Pacific region 239 00:10:07,146 --> 00:10:06,549 Thank you . 240 00:10:15,049 --> 00:10:16,993 Thank you very much . Uh Secretary 241 00:10:16,993 --> 00:10:20,119 Austin uh Deputy Prime Minister Mars 242 00:10:20,130 --> 00:10:24,080 Minister uh Chiara . Uh thank you once 243 00:10:24,090 --> 00:10:27,400 again for to uh Secretary Austin for 244 00:10:27,409 --> 00:10:30,539 hosting this uh historic meeting today . 245 00:10:31,020 --> 00:10:34,159 Uh It comes after the trilateral 246 00:10:34,169 --> 00:10:36,280 meeting between our heads of state in 247 00:10:36,280 --> 00:10:39,489 Washington DC and in our case , the 248 00:10:39,500 --> 00:10:42,270 visits bilaterally of President 249 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:45,820 Ferdinand Marcos to Australia , Japan 250 00:10:45,830 --> 00:10:49,080 and the United States . The , 251 00:10:50,250 --> 00:10:53,400 the underlying principle of this 252 00:10:53,409 --> 00:10:56,979 meeting is a shared respect 253 00:10:57,130 --> 00:10:59,859 for a rules based international order 254 00:10:59,869 --> 00:11:02,147 and the upholding of international law . 255 00:11:02,760 --> 00:11:05,090 And it is safe to say that four 256 00:11:05,099 --> 00:11:08,200 countries , four independent countries 257 00:11:08,210 --> 00:11:11,359 voicing the same message means an 258 00:11:11,369 --> 00:11:13,989 important thing in the face of a 259 00:11:14,000 --> 00:11:16,859 unilateral declaration by a single 260 00:11:16,869 --> 00:11:19,619 theater actor . And this is what 261 00:11:19,630 --> 00:11:23,119 perhaps the symbolic suggestion of 262 00:11:23,130 --> 00:11:26,020 four defense uh 263 00:11:26,409 --> 00:11:29,500 ministry and the department heads are 264 00:11:29,510 --> 00:11:32,260 here today . And in this spirit of 265 00:11:32,270 --> 00:11:35,080 upholding a rules based international 266 00:11:35,090 --> 00:11:39,030 order , a free and open indo Pacific 267 00:11:39,739 --> 00:11:42,270 and upholding international law . We 268 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:44,880 meet here once again today . In the 269 00:11:44,890 --> 00:11:48,520 latest iteration of our 270 00:11:48,530 --> 00:11:51,159 four countries multilateral Cooper , 271 00:11:52,599 --> 00:11:55,789 we are gratified to see 272 00:11:56,200 --> 00:11:59,460 that the Philippines role 273 00:11:59,469 --> 00:12:02,650 as at the forefront of severe 274 00:12:02,659 --> 00:12:05,119 challenges to its territory , 275 00:12:05,539 --> 00:12:09,380 territorial rights , challenging the 276 00:12:09,390 --> 00:12:12,090 uh accepted norms of international law 277 00:12:12,099 --> 00:12:15,690 are accepted by like minded nations . 278 00:12:15,700 --> 00:12:18,340 We welcome their partnership and in 279 00:12:18,349 --> 00:12:22,099 cooper operation , not only to 280 00:12:22,109 --> 00:12:25,609 protect solely its territorial 281 00:12:25,619 --> 00:12:27,619 integrity and sovereignty , but to 282 00:12:27,630 --> 00:12:31,239 uphold once again , let me reiterate 283 00:12:31,750 --> 00:12:34,419 principles of international law which 284 00:12:34,429 --> 00:12:37,270 guide the global Order in the proper 285 00:12:37,280 --> 00:12:40,960 way that nations should live amongst 286 00:12:40,969 --> 00:12:44,059 each other . One of more concrete notes , 287 00:12:44,760 --> 00:12:47,479 this latest iteration 288 00:12:48,059 --> 00:12:51,890 will give birth to further co-operation 289 00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:54,750 and co ordination and interoperability 290 00:12:54,760 --> 00:12:56,982 between four of our countries which the 291 00:12:56,982 --> 00:12:58,871 four of us have committed to work 292 00:12:58,871 --> 00:13:02,090 closer together in order to have more 293 00:13:02,099 --> 00:13:05,330 synergies and partnerships , in order 294 00:13:05,340 --> 00:13:08,820 to make this alliance that we have 295 00:13:09,429 --> 00:13:12,809 uh stronger and more sustainable in the 296 00:13:12,820 --> 00:13:16,770 long run . Also , we uh look 297 00:13:16,780 --> 00:13:19,469 forward to concluding a reciprocal 298 00:13:19,479 --> 00:13:21,969 reciprocal access agreement between 299 00:13:21,979 --> 00:13:24,479 Japan and the Philippines so that our 300 00:13:24,489 --> 00:13:27,500 interoperability quadrilateral 301 00:13:28,140 --> 00:13:32,080 can be in a more complete manner , 302 00:13:32,239 --> 00:13:34,390 can be enforced in a more complete 303 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:38,359 manner . Lastly , we thank 304 00:13:38,619 --> 00:13:41,530 uh Admiral Aquilino of Indo paycom for 305 00:13:41,539 --> 00:13:45,270 his service to the region and we 306 00:13:45,280 --> 00:13:48,330 welcome working with uh Admiral Sam 307 00:13:48,760 --> 00:13:51,719 Aparo . Once again , thank you uh 308 00:13:51,729 --> 00:13:53,960 Secretary Austin for hosting us . And 309 00:13:53,969 --> 00:13:56,909 we look forward to more fruitful 310 00:13:57,140 --> 00:13:59,739 outcomes in the future as we work 311 00:13:59,750 --> 00:14:03,210 closer together , not only in terms of 312 00:14:03,219 --> 00:14:05,849 our departments but in true people to 313 00:14:05,859 --> 00:14:08,700 people understandings and exchanges . 314 00:14:08,760 --> 00:14:11,080 Thank you . Thank you all , gentlemen . 315 00:14:11,500 --> 00:14:13,667 Our first question will come from Phil 316 00:14:13,667 --> 00:14:15,969 Stewart Reuters . Thank you , Secretary 317 00:14:15,979 --> 00:14:18,179 Austin on Gaza . Do you have any 318 00:14:18,190 --> 00:14:21,039 credible information that Hamas hopes 319 00:14:21,049 --> 00:14:23,239 to target us troops building and 320 00:14:23,250 --> 00:14:26,020 eventually operating the pier off Gaza ? 321 00:14:26,260 --> 00:14:28,149 And then a question on the US and 322 00:14:28,149 --> 00:14:31,299 Philippines to Secretary Teodoro , 323 00:14:31,369 --> 00:14:33,750 given recent clashes with China and the 324 00:14:33,760 --> 00:14:35,816 second Thomas Shoal . Do you believe 325 00:14:35,816 --> 00:14:37,982 it's increasingly likely that you will 326 00:14:37,982 --> 00:14:39,871 need to invoke the mutual defense 327 00:14:39,871 --> 00:14:41,982 treaty ? And what kind of us response 328 00:14:41,982 --> 00:14:43,982 would you like to see if a Filipino 329 00:14:43,982 --> 00:14:46,149 service member is killed ? And just to 330 00:14:46,149 --> 00:14:48,149 clarify Secretary Austin to confirm 331 00:14:48,149 --> 00:14:50,093 President Marcos referring to your 332 00:14:50,093 --> 00:14:52,204 comments said it would take the death 333 00:14:52,204 --> 00:14:54,465 of a Filipino service member to invoke 334 00:14:54,474 --> 00:14:57,255 the treaty . Is that correct that you , 335 00:14:57,265 --> 00:14:59,265 that you feel that way ? And what , 336 00:14:59,265 --> 00:15:01,598 what makes that threshold the right one ? 337 00:15:01,598 --> 00:15:05,390 Thank you . Well , thanks 338 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:08,679 Bill . Um number of questions in there . 339 00:15:08,690 --> 00:15:10,634 So I'll uh I'll try to work my way 340 00:15:10,634 --> 00:15:12,579 through them . Uh But first , uh I 341 00:15:12,599 --> 00:15:14,766 think the first question was regarding 342 00:15:15,059 --> 00:15:17,179 uh any credible information that we 343 00:15:17,190 --> 00:15:20,479 have that Hamas uh is going to attack 344 00:15:20,489 --> 00:15:22,729 our , our troops . Uh Of course , I 345 00:15:22,739 --> 00:15:25,460 don't discuss uh intelligence 346 00:15:25,469 --> 00:15:28,729 information at the podium and , but uh 347 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:31,979 I don't see any indications uh 348 00:15:31,989 --> 00:15:34,210 currently that uh there is a , an 349 00:15:34,219 --> 00:15:37,099 active intent to , to do that . Um 350 00:15:37,619 --> 00:15:39,619 Having said that Phil , this is a , 351 00:15:39,619 --> 00:15:41,730 this is a combat zone and a number of 352 00:15:41,730 --> 00:15:43,897 things can happen . A number of things 353 00:15:43,897 --> 00:15:47,340 will happen . Uh And uh the 354 00:15:47,349 --> 00:15:49,405 safety and security of our troops is 355 00:15:49,405 --> 00:15:52,599 very important to me . And uh and so 356 00:15:53,020 --> 00:15:55,298 the chairman and I have worked through , 357 00:15:55,298 --> 00:15:57,020 have talked with the combatant 358 00:15:57,020 --> 00:15:59,187 commander , General Correa a number of 359 00:15:59,187 --> 00:16:01,353 times on uh what measures he's putting 360 00:16:01,353 --> 00:16:03,520 in place . He personally is putting in 361 00:16:03,520 --> 00:16:06,190 place to ensure that our troops are 362 00:16:06,200 --> 00:16:09,580 protected . Uh And uh and so I think 363 00:16:09,590 --> 00:16:12,200 he's done a , a credible job of making 364 00:16:12,210 --> 00:16:14,619 sure that he has the right uh uh means 365 00:16:14,630 --> 00:16:18,429 in place . Um Our 366 00:16:18,440 --> 00:16:20,849 allies are also providing security in 367 00:16:20,859 --> 00:16:24,030 that area as well . And so it's going 368 00:16:24,039 --> 00:16:26,030 to require that we continue to 369 00:16:26,039 --> 00:16:28,580 coordinate with them very closely to 370 00:16:28,590 --> 00:16:30,820 ensure that uh you know , if anything 371 00:16:30,830 --> 00:16:32,941 happens that uh you know , our troops 372 00:16:32,941 --> 00:16:35,289 are protected . The second question , I 373 00:16:35,299 --> 00:16:37,169 think you , you , you asked was 374 00:16:37,179 --> 00:16:41,049 regarding uh our treaty uh with 375 00:16:41,059 --> 00:16:44,849 the Philippines . Um You know , 376 00:16:44,859 --> 00:16:48,239 we've been very clear to everyone to 377 00:16:48,250 --> 00:16:50,849 include Beijing that the kind of 378 00:16:50,859 --> 00:16:54,559 behavior that we've seen uh where um 379 00:16:57,219 --> 00:17:00,859 Filipino crews are , are put in 380 00:17:00,869 --> 00:17:03,479 danger or , you know , troop uh sailors 381 00:17:03,489 --> 00:17:06,489 have been injured uh and uh in property 382 00:17:06,500 --> 00:17:09,790 damage uh that uh that is irresponsible 383 00:17:09,800 --> 00:17:11,300 behavior and it disregards 384 00:17:11,300 --> 00:17:13,708 international law . So Phil , I won't 385 00:17:13,718 --> 00:17:16,698 get into any hypotheticals on , on what 386 00:17:16,708 --> 00:17:18,875 could happen and how it could happen . 387 00:17:18,875 --> 00:17:20,986 I would just say that uh you've heard 388 00:17:20,986 --> 00:17:23,208 me say , you've heard our president say 389 00:17:23,208 --> 00:17:25,041 a number of times that our , our 390 00:17:25,041 --> 00:17:27,097 commitment to the treaty is ironclad 391 00:17:27,097 --> 00:17:29,264 and we stand with the Philippines . Uh 392 00:17:29,264 --> 00:17:31,375 And finally , uh let me just say that 393 00:17:31,719 --> 00:17:33,775 as all of us have said , we're doing 394 00:17:33,775 --> 00:17:35,941 historic work with the Philippines and 395 00:17:35,941 --> 00:17:38,630 helping them uh modernize their , their 396 00:17:38,640 --> 00:17:41,660 military and it's exciting work and , 397 00:17:41,670 --> 00:17:43,660 and uh and we look forward to 398 00:17:43,920 --> 00:17:46,680 continuing to make progress . Um And 399 00:17:46,689 --> 00:17:49,079 today's discussions just highlighted uh 400 00:17:49,089 --> 00:17:51,089 the kinds of things that we need to 401 00:17:51,089 --> 00:17:53,790 focus on and we are focusing on types 402 00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:56,170 of uh exercises and operations we're 403 00:17:56,180 --> 00:17:58,560 gonna do uh to ensure that we increase 404 00:17:58,569 --> 00:18:00,847 interoperability . So it's been a very , 405 00:18:00,847 --> 00:18:03,069 very fruitful day . From , from that uh 406 00:18:03,069 --> 00:18:06,670 that standpoint , I would like to 407 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:09,699 echo the words of Admiral Aquilino that 408 00:18:09,709 --> 00:18:12,189 it would really be uh counterproductive 409 00:18:12,199 --> 00:18:15,670 to delve into hypotheticals . And I for 410 00:18:15,680 --> 00:18:17,847 one as defense secretary would like to 411 00:18:17,847 --> 00:18:19,680 steer away the discussion from a 412 00:18:19,680 --> 00:18:23,170 scenario when or in what occasions the 413 00:18:23,180 --> 00:18:27,089 M BT may be involved when our jobs 414 00:18:27,099 --> 00:18:30,400 as secretaries is to make sure 415 00:18:30,949 --> 00:18:34,660 that there are no situations through 416 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:37,209 capability building , through deterrent 417 00:18:37,219 --> 00:18:40,699 that an MDT situation would arise . 418 00:18:41,469 --> 00:18:45,099 And uh so we are very conscious of the 419 00:18:45,109 --> 00:18:48,369 fact that we need to assert our rights , 420 00:18:48,609 --> 00:18:50,969 but in a manner that 421 00:18:51,479 --> 00:18:55,380 safeguards the safety of each and every 422 00:18:55,390 --> 00:18:58,839 member of uh the Philippine Armed Force , 423 00:18:58,849 --> 00:19:02,369 which is the principal actor in the 424 00:19:02,380 --> 00:19:06,280 area . And uh the talk 425 00:19:06,290 --> 00:19:09,920 about MDT sometimes also is exploited 426 00:19:10,959 --> 00:19:14,599 uh in the International Press and used 427 00:19:14,609 --> 00:19:17,739 sometimes as a bogeyman in order 428 00:19:17,750 --> 00:19:21,300 for our countries bilaterally and 429 00:19:21,310 --> 00:19:23,400 multilaterally to go forward with 430 00:19:23,410 --> 00:19:26,219 legitimate hardening measures for the 431 00:19:26,229 --> 00:19:28,173 Republic of the Philippines . So I 432 00:19:28,173 --> 00:19:30,589 would stay away from theoretical and 433 00:19:30,599 --> 00:19:33,939 hypothetical talks of the MDT because 434 00:19:33,949 --> 00:19:36,060 to me , these are counterproductive , 435 00:19:37,109 --> 00:19:40,959 it is an agreement and it will be a 436 00:19:40,969 --> 00:19:43,430 political decision at the end of the 437 00:19:43,439 --> 00:19:45,959 day of both , principally , the 438 00:19:45,969 --> 00:19:48,300 Philippine government went to invoke it 439 00:19:48,930 --> 00:19:51,949 and I will leave it at that . Thank you , 440 00:19:51,959 --> 00:19:54,070 gentlemen . Our next question will go 441 00:19:54,070 --> 00:19:57,770 to Tajima Yoshihiko Asahi Shin . Has 442 00:19:57,780 --> 00:20:00,739 she ? My name is Tajima from Maa Shin . 443 00:20:01,030 --> 00:20:03,252 Boom . I would like to um ask um all of 444 00:20:03,252 --> 00:20:05,459 users . Um This is the first time that 445 00:20:05,469 --> 00:20:07,640 the Secretary and the Ministry 446 00:20:07,650 --> 00:20:09,483 Ministers of Defense of the four 447 00:20:09,483 --> 00:20:11,689 countries gathered together um to make 448 00:20:11,699 --> 00:20:13,866 an appearance for the press conference 449 00:20:13,866 --> 00:20:16,079 and having um uh standing side by side 450 00:20:16,089 --> 00:20:18,256 for to hold this press conference like 451 00:20:18,256 --> 00:20:20,367 this . What kind of message you could 452 00:20:20,367 --> 00:20:24,079 send to China ? Uh 453 00:20:24,089 --> 00:20:27,810 uh Is this for all of us ? OK . I'll 454 00:20:27,819 --> 00:20:30,979 start . Uh and uh first and foremost , 455 00:20:30,989 --> 00:20:32,989 we're here today because we share a 456 00:20:32,989 --> 00:20:36,540 common vision and that vision is a free 457 00:20:36,550 --> 00:20:40,119 and open Indo Pacific . Uh And we , we 458 00:20:40,130 --> 00:20:41,908 believe that our continued work 459 00:20:41,908 --> 00:20:44,079 together will continue to promote uh 460 00:20:44,089 --> 00:20:46,660 activities that uh that will help lead 461 00:20:46,670 --> 00:20:48,559 to that uh accomplishment of that 462 00:20:48,559 --> 00:20:50,750 vision . Um And you just heard us talk 463 00:20:50,760 --> 00:20:52,982 about some of the work that we're doing 464 00:20:52,982 --> 00:20:55,280 together . Uh And I think uh I think 465 00:20:55,290 --> 00:20:58,290 that kind of work will advance uh again 466 00:20:58,300 --> 00:21:00,078 our efforts to , to achieve the 467 00:21:00,078 --> 00:21:02,022 objective . Now , having said that 468 00:21:02,410 --> 00:21:04,354 we're clear , clear eyed about the 469 00:21:04,354 --> 00:21:06,077 challenges that uh that exists 470 00:21:06,077 --> 00:21:08,354 throughout the , throughout the region . 471 00:21:08,354 --> 00:21:10,521 Uh And it's uh and , and so we'll need 472 00:21:10,521 --> 00:21:13,069 to continue to work together to 473 00:21:13,079 --> 00:21:15,770 increase interoperability to make sure 474 00:21:15,780 --> 00:21:17,930 that we share information , share 475 00:21:17,939 --> 00:21:20,219 intelligence . Uh And uh and , and 476 00:21:20,229 --> 00:21:23,270 again , I , I think that's the way that 477 00:21:23,280 --> 00:21:26,030 you , that you promote uh security and 478 00:21:26,040 --> 00:21:27,984 stability and but , but that's why 479 00:21:27,984 --> 00:21:30,280 we're here because we share our common 480 00:21:30,290 --> 00:21:33,579 visions . Um Thank you . Well , we in 481 00:21:33,589 --> 00:21:36,229 standing here , I think we um reflect a 482 00:21:36,239 --> 00:21:39,869 determination uh to work as closely as 483 00:21:39,880 --> 00:21:42,079 we can together to pursue our 484 00:21:42,089 --> 00:21:45,020 objectives . Uh And those objectives 485 00:21:45,030 --> 00:21:47,670 are around what each of these four 486 00:21:47,699 --> 00:21:49,839 countries stands for on their own and 487 00:21:49,849 --> 00:21:52,310 what we stand for together . Um And 488 00:21:52,319 --> 00:21:54,375 that is as Secretary Austin has just 489 00:21:54,375 --> 00:21:56,541 said a free and open Indo Pacific . Um 490 00:21:56,541 --> 00:21:58,541 It is the maintenance of the global 491 00:21:58,541 --> 00:22:00,819 rules based order uh within our region . 492 00:22:01,050 --> 00:22:04,319 Um And we do that as for democracies 493 00:22:04,329 --> 00:22:06,800 which have shared values so that we 494 00:22:06,810 --> 00:22:09,032 stand here today is actually about us . 495 00:22:09,069 --> 00:22:11,125 Uh that , that , that is what we are 496 00:22:11,125 --> 00:22:13,859 giving expression to uh in this moment . 497 00:22:14,060 --> 00:22:16,839 And I'd make the observation that in um 498 00:22:16,849 --> 00:22:19,069 standing for a free and open Indo 499 00:22:19,180 --> 00:22:21,829 Pacific in standing for the expression 500 00:22:21,839 --> 00:22:24,006 of the global rules based order in our 501 00:22:24,006 --> 00:22:27,199 region , we are standing for what has 502 00:22:27,209 --> 00:22:30,125 underpinned prosperity and security 503 00:22:30,135 --> 00:22:32,564 within the Indo Pacific for decades , 504 00:22:32,655 --> 00:22:34,984 which has seen this region of the world 505 00:22:34,994 --> 00:22:37,974 uh experience enormous economic growth . 506 00:22:38,194 --> 00:22:41,464 Um And in many ways be the powerhouse 507 00:22:41,474 --> 00:22:43,864 of the global economy and has literally 508 00:22:43,875 --> 00:22:46,135 seen millions of people race out of 509 00:22:46,145 --> 00:22:48,984 poverty . Um That's what this is about . 510 00:22:49,165 --> 00:22:51,535 Um This is first and foremost about 511 00:22:51,545 --> 00:22:53,823 what each of us stand for collectively . 512 00:22:53,823 --> 00:22:55,878 It is about the way in which we work 513 00:22:55,878 --> 00:22:57,601 together . And it is about the 514 00:22:57,601 --> 00:22:59,934 assertion of a global rules based order . 515 00:23:01,099 --> 00:23:03,560 It's , it's a in San 516 00:23:08,560 --> 00:23:10,569 Press conference today , 517 00:23:12,800 --> 00:23:15,260 we expressed concerns regarding the 518 00:23:15,270 --> 00:23:18,420 situation in East and South China Sea . 519 00:23:18,719 --> 00:23:20,941 However , the statement is not directed 520 00:23:20,941 --> 00:23:23,300 to uh towards um any specific or 521 00:23:23,310 --> 00:23:24,900 particular nation 522 00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:31,290 and um it is um towards the uh the 523 00:23:31,300 --> 00:23:33,920 nations um which are trying to um 524 00:23:34,069 --> 00:23:37,229 change the status quo by force based on 525 00:23:37,239 --> 00:23:40,739 that . Uh it is urgent that um uh we 526 00:23:40,750 --> 00:23:42,819 strengthen uh cooper operation and 527 00:23:42,829 --> 00:23:45,390 interoperability with allies in 528 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:47,380 like-minded countries in order to 529 00:23:47,390 --> 00:23:50,400 maintain peace and stability in the in 530 00:23:50,410 --> 00:23:53,510 the Pacific nation . At the last 531 00:23:53,520 --> 00:23:57,420 trilateral meeting , um We were able to 532 00:23:57,430 --> 00:24:00,780 agree to promote um cooper operation um 533 00:24:00,790 --> 00:24:03,189 and also the interoperability in the 534 00:24:03,199 --> 00:24:05,739 area of the defense and peacekeeping 535 00:24:05,750 --> 00:24:07,859 and security and not too far from uh 536 00:24:07,869 --> 00:24:10,140 from the uh US , Philippines and Japan 537 00:24:10,150 --> 00:24:12,206 summit . This time , we were able to 538 00:24:12,206 --> 00:24:15,520 hold um this um defense mini ministers 539 00:24:15,530 --> 00:24:17,880 and the secretary's meeting and um also 540 00:24:17,890 --> 00:24:20,699 hold this joint press conference today 541 00:24:21,479 --> 00:24:23,535 and I would like to continue sending 542 00:24:23,535 --> 00:24:26,699 messages uh throughout the world that 543 00:24:26,709 --> 00:24:29,040 um us four nations and governments 544 00:24:29,050 --> 00:24:31,729 gather together um here today and we 545 00:24:31,739 --> 00:24:34,729 will be sending um uh will be in hand 546 00:24:34,739 --> 00:24:37,319 to hand to continue making efforts to 547 00:24:37,640 --> 00:24:39,739 real to the realization of free 548 00:24:39,750 --> 00:24:42,170 operation um open in the Pacific region 549 00:24:42,180 --> 00:24:45,780 as well as realizing um inter uh orders 550 00:24:45,790 --> 00:24:48,099 based on keeping abiding by the rules 551 00:24:48,630 --> 00:24:51,670 is here , have a common understanding 552 00:24:51,680 --> 00:24:53,890 of generally accepted principles of 553 00:24:53,900 --> 00:24:57,130 international law and close and the 554 00:24:57,140 --> 00:24:59,930 need for a global and open Indo Pacific . 555 00:25:00,890 --> 00:25:03,900 And this common understanding 556 00:25:03,910 --> 00:25:07,790 includes the interpretation of 557 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:10,869 these bodies of law which are commonly 558 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:14,060 accepted against 559 00:25:14,069 --> 00:25:17,780 unilateral appropriations of singular 560 00:25:17,790 --> 00:25:20,750 interpretations for the benefit of any 561 00:25:20,760 --> 00:25:23,369 one country for the Philippines . This 562 00:25:23,380 --> 00:25:27,260 is particularly important being a small 563 00:25:27,270 --> 00:25:30,660 Archipelagic nation where our 564 00:25:30,670 --> 00:25:34,380 integrity as an archipelagic country 565 00:25:34,750 --> 00:25:38,479 and as a political and legal whole 566 00:25:38,489 --> 00:25:42,150 depend on the world's 567 00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:45,750 acknowledgment of its baselines 568 00:25:45,760 --> 00:25:49,630 under international law . And this is 569 00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:53,140 not only a question of legal or 570 00:25:53,150 --> 00:25:57,050 political importance but being a 571 00:25:57,060 --> 00:26:00,609 country with a growing population with 572 00:26:00,619 --> 00:26:04,609 climate change challenges . This 573 00:26:04,619 --> 00:26:07,750 is essential for its 574 00:26:07,760 --> 00:26:11,540 sustainability and for the 575 00:26:11,550 --> 00:26:14,650 sustenance of our future generations . 576 00:26:15,089 --> 00:26:17,569 So generally , we are fighting today 577 00:26:18,040 --> 00:26:21,040 for the betterment of future 578 00:26:21,050 --> 00:26:24,189 generations of Filipinos and that is 579 00:26:24,199 --> 00:26:26,439 the fight for us , which we appreciate 580 00:26:26,819 --> 00:26:30,400 because it falls under the context of a 581 00:26:30,410 --> 00:26:33,890 rules based international order that 582 00:26:33,900 --> 00:26:36,849 the three countries are supporting us 583 00:26:37,319 --> 00:26:40,219 in our common quest for 584 00:26:40,569 --> 00:26:44,209 already commonly understood 585 00:26:45,239 --> 00:26:48,150 definitions of international law , 586 00:26:48,160 --> 00:26:50,670 particularly in the maritime domain . 587 00:26:50,959 --> 00:26:53,699 This is the message that I interpret 588 00:26:53,709 --> 00:26:54,765 this meeting to be 589 00:27:00,140 --> 00:27:02,479 and much more organization must uh must 590 00:27:02,500 --> 00:27:03,010 I mean 591 00:27:05,680 --> 00:27:08,050 one more question I would like to ask 592 00:27:08,310 --> 00:27:11,880 um for Japan which is um increasing the 593 00:27:11,890 --> 00:27:13,834 um defense capability , how do you 594 00:27:13,834 --> 00:27:16,380 evaluate um its effort and would uh 595 00:27:16,390 --> 00:27:20,130 please tell us what you expect um You 596 00:27:20,140 --> 00:27:22,251 have for Japan in the , the framework 597 00:27:22,251 --> 00:27:25,099 of um these four nations . Also . Um We 598 00:27:25,109 --> 00:27:27,250 have another question for uh Minister 599 00:27:27,380 --> 00:27:29,380 Khara , we understand that the very 600 00:27:29,380 --> 00:27:31,491 first maritime cooper of activity for 601 00:27:31,491 --> 00:27:33,739 us uh uh Australia , Philippines and 602 00:27:33,750 --> 00:27:36,060 Japan . And uh we also understanding 603 00:27:36,069 --> 00:27:39,219 that there will be more MC A um or more 604 00:27:39,229 --> 00:27:41,285 frequent MC A s and then uh with our 605 00:27:41,285 --> 00:27:43,396 constitution and what would you think 606 00:27:43,396 --> 00:27:45,589 um that you can , what you can do um 607 00:27:45,599 --> 00:27:47,543 what type of activities you can do 608 00:27:56,520 --> 00:27:59,260 to or efforts to defend . 609 00:28:01,079 --> 00:28:03,819 Yeah , efforts to increase its defense 610 00:28:03,829 --> 00:28:07,099 capability . And I'll let Minister 611 00:28:07,270 --> 00:28:10,750 Kihara speak to how they're doing and 612 00:28:10,760 --> 00:28:13,329 what they're doing . What I will say is 613 00:28:13,339 --> 00:28:16,680 that Japan is a very important ally to 614 00:28:16,689 --> 00:28:20,369 us . It is a very capable uh 615 00:28:20,459 --> 00:28:24,170 country , uh a proud democracy . And uh 616 00:28:24,180 --> 00:28:27,849 and we have often described Japan's as 617 00:28:27,890 --> 00:28:30,469 uh uh our relationship with Japan as a 618 00:28:30,479 --> 00:28:33,780 cornerstone uh to uh to our efforts in 619 00:28:33,790 --> 00:28:36,910 the region and certainly uh leads to uh 620 00:28:36,920 --> 00:28:39,810 or contributes to greater security and 621 00:28:39,819 --> 00:28:43,680 stability in the region . So , um uh 622 00:28:43,959 --> 00:28:45,626 we're gonna do continue to do 623 00:28:45,626 --> 00:28:49,260 everything that we can to help uh Japan 624 00:28:49,270 --> 00:28:51,437 achieve its goals and objectives . You 625 00:28:51,437 --> 00:28:53,339 know , they uh they're looking to 626 00:28:53,349 --> 00:28:55,699 further modernize their force , uh do 627 00:28:55,709 --> 00:28:58,650 some things to uh to uh 628 00:28:59,099 --> 00:29:01,321 restructure their command and control , 629 00:29:01,349 --> 00:29:03,920 uh invest in uh in new uh new 630 00:29:03,930 --> 00:29:06,410 capabilities and we're going to help 631 00:29:06,420 --> 00:29:08,650 any way we can every step of the way . 632 00:29:08,810 --> 00:29:11,689 And you , you , you saw from the recent 633 00:29:11,699 --> 00:29:14,920 summit uh conducted in Washington , we 634 00:29:14,930 --> 00:29:16,597 announced a number of defense 635 00:29:16,597 --> 00:29:18,708 initiatives that I think are going to 636 00:29:18,708 --> 00:29:20,739 ensure that we are working together 637 00:29:20,750 --> 00:29:24,660 with Japan to continue to build real 638 00:29:24,670 --> 00:29:27,900 credible capability as far as our 639 00:29:27,910 --> 00:29:31,670 defense is concerned . Uh As I said , 640 00:29:31,680 --> 00:29:35,520 at the outset , we have never 641 00:29:35,780 --> 00:29:37,949 uh been closer to Japan than we are 642 00:29:37,959 --> 00:29:41,130 right now . Um in terms of the way in 643 00:29:41,140 --> 00:29:44,089 which we co-operate on our collective 644 00:29:44,099 --> 00:29:47,020 security , uh We have a reciprocal 645 00:29:47,030 --> 00:29:49,197 access agreement in place , which is a 646 00:29:49,197 --> 00:29:51,729 step change um in the way in which we 647 00:29:51,739 --> 00:29:53,795 engage with each other in respect of 648 00:29:53,795 --> 00:29:55,739 defense . And that last year , for 649 00:29:55,739 --> 00:29:59,420 example , saw us operate um F-35s in 650 00:29:59,430 --> 00:30:02,469 both of our countries together . Um And 651 00:30:02,479 --> 00:30:05,510 so we welcome um an increase in 652 00:30:05,520 --> 00:30:08,780 Japan's uh defense capabilities . Uh We 653 00:30:08,790 --> 00:30:10,846 welcome it because we see Japan as a 654 00:30:10,846 --> 00:30:13,849 close partner um with us , but with uh 655 00:30:13,859 --> 00:30:15,949 America , with the Philippines in 656 00:30:15,959 --> 00:30:18,181 contributing to the collective security 657 00:30:18,181 --> 00:30:20,699 of the region in which we all live . Um 658 00:30:20,709 --> 00:30:22,979 And from Australia's point of view , um 659 00:30:22,989 --> 00:30:24,933 we , we take the , the , the , the 660 00:30:24,933 --> 00:30:27,709 position now um that the , the defense 661 00:30:27,719 --> 00:30:31,079 of Australia um uh doesn't mean much 662 00:30:31,089 --> 00:30:34,010 unless we see the collective security 663 00:30:34,020 --> 00:30:36,439 of the region in which we live . And so 664 00:30:36,449 --> 00:30:39,420 when we look at uh Japan making its 665 00:30:39,430 --> 00:30:41,597 commitments to increase its capability 666 00:30:41,597 --> 00:30:43,400 and working closely with us in 667 00:30:43,410 --> 00:30:45,521 providing for the collective security 668 00:30:45,521 --> 00:30:47,688 of the region . Um that is a very good 669 00:30:47,688 --> 00:30:51,140 thing . Japan has been a 670 00:30:51,150 --> 00:30:54,209 traditional industrial commercial and 671 00:30:54,219 --> 00:30:56,770 tourism partner of the Philippines for 672 00:30:56,780 --> 00:30:59,739 some time now . So it is a logical uh 673 00:30:59,750 --> 00:31:03,479 facet of our bilateral relations that 674 00:31:03,489 --> 00:31:06,339 uh we welcome the increase in defense 675 00:31:06,349 --> 00:31:09,250 capabilities , particularly in the 676 00:31:09,339 --> 00:31:11,949 technological field of Japan , of which 677 00:31:11,959 --> 00:31:14,920 the Philippines can be a partner or a 678 00:31:14,930 --> 00:31:18,089 recipient of . Now for the collective 679 00:31:18,099 --> 00:31:20,979 regional question , we welcome 680 00:31:21,369 --> 00:31:24,630 the additional capabilities of Japan 681 00:31:24,640 --> 00:31:26,739 because as we said , they are an 682 00:31:26,750 --> 00:31:29,500 important cog in our 683 00:31:29,510 --> 00:31:32,920 scheme of things particularly in this 684 00:31:33,310 --> 00:31:36,500 uh uh quadrilateral summit in 685 00:31:36,510 --> 00:31:40,339 enforcing regional peace in the area . 686 00:31:40,599 --> 00:31:43,069 And we look forward to Japan's 687 00:31:43,079 --> 00:31:45,630 increasing role , not only bilaterally 688 00:31:45,640 --> 00:31:47,900 with the signing of our reciprocal 689 00:31:47,910 --> 00:31:49,632 access agreement , but all the 690 00:31:49,632 --> 00:31:53,489 resultant benefits that this and other 691 00:31:53,500 --> 00:31:56,439 multilateral initiatives will bring to 692 00:31:56,449 --> 00:31:59,770 the region heads . 693 00:32:05,359 --> 00:32:06,400 What you are . 694 00:32:09,329 --> 00:32:13,130 Well , um that was my 695 00:32:13,140 --> 00:32:15,640 question to about my , our contribution 696 00:32:15,650 --> 00:32:17,761 to the um our role in the framework , 697 00:32:17,761 --> 00:32:20,930 correct ? OK . Um Last month um our f 698 00:32:20,939 --> 00:32:23,161 the four nations had the joint exercise 699 00:32:23,161 --> 00:32:27,079 and today we uh released a 700 00:32:27,089 --> 00:32:30,130 joint statement by four secretary and 701 00:32:30,140 --> 00:32:32,079 ministries ministers for who are 702 00:32:32,089 --> 00:32:35,739 standing here today . The um MC A by um 703 00:32:35,750 --> 00:32:38,500 our four countries is an effort that 704 00:32:38,510 --> 00:32:40,232 strengthened the international 705 00:32:40,232 --> 00:32:42,869 cooperations and represents our stance 706 00:32:42,880 --> 00:32:45,020 that we support and respect maritime 707 00:32:45,030 --> 00:32:47,619 rights under the international laws uh 708 00:32:47,630 --> 00:32:49,852 such as freedom of maritime activity in 709 00:32:49,852 --> 00:32:52,074 in order to achieve realization of free 710 00:32:52,074 --> 00:32:54,297 and open in the Pacific and in terms of 711 00:32:54,297 --> 00:32:56,519 what type of activities that Japan self 712 00:32:56,519 --> 00:32:58,630 defense force will or may participate 713 00:32:58,630 --> 00:33:00,760 in MC A will be considered and 714 00:33:00,770 --> 00:33:02,326 determined individually and 715 00:33:02,326 --> 00:33:05,170 specifically for each activity . In any 716 00:33:05,180 --> 00:33:08,500 case , I would work on deepening um our 717 00:33:08,510 --> 00:33:11,239 uh commonality in our common tasks and 718 00:33:11,250 --> 00:33:13,979 PURs pursue to have more opportunities 719 00:33:13,989 --> 00:33:16,489 of cooper operation by four nations and 720 00:33:16,849 --> 00:33:19,310 um uh including MC A . Thank you . 721 00:33:19,939 --> 00:33:21,772 Thank you , gentlemen . Our last 722 00:33:21,772 --> 00:33:24,199 question , we'll go to Haley Brits CNN . 723 00:33:24,729 --> 00:33:27,062 Thank you so much . Um question for you , 724 00:33:27,062 --> 00:33:29,285 Mr Secretary and then for you as well , 725 00:33:29,285 --> 00:33:31,507 Minister M um Secretary Austin , you've 726 00:33:31,507 --> 00:33:33,285 said that you've not yet seen a 727 00:33:33,285 --> 00:33:35,340 detailed plan from Israel that takes 728 00:33:35,340 --> 00:33:37,507 into account , removing civilians from 729 00:33:37,507 --> 00:33:39,396 harm in Rafah before an offensive 730 00:33:39,396 --> 00:33:41,396 operation . What consequences would 731 00:33:41,396 --> 00:33:43,507 Israel face from the US if they moved 732 00:33:43,507 --> 00:33:45,729 on this operation without appropriately 733 00:33:45,729 --> 00:33:47,896 taking into account those civilians in 734 00:33:47,896 --> 00:33:50,007 the area ? And secondly , on , it was 735 00:33:50,007 --> 00:33:52,229 reported today that Russian troops have 736 00:33:52,229 --> 00:33:54,229 moved into an airbase that also are 737 00:33:54,229 --> 00:33:56,340 housing us forces . Are you concerned 738 00:33:56,340 --> 00:33:58,451 about the proximity of Russian and US 739 00:33:58,451 --> 00:33:58,074 forces ? And what is your message to 740 00:33:58,084 --> 00:34:00,140 other countries on the continent who 741 00:34:00,140 --> 00:34:01,917 may be eyeing , expanding their 742 00:34:01,917 --> 00:34:04,195 relationship with Russia ? And for you , 743 00:34:04,195 --> 00:34:06,362 Mr Marles Australia announced recently 744 00:34:06,362 --> 00:34:08,528 another $100 million in aid to Ukraine 745 00:34:08,528 --> 00:34:10,751 after your recent visit to Ukraine . Do 746 00:34:10,751 --> 00:34:12,973 you believe that that's enough ? And it 747 00:34:12,973 --> 00:34:15,140 would Australia be prepared to provide 748 00:34:15,140 --> 00:34:14,945 more support particularly in air 749 00:34:14,955 --> 00:34:16,354 defenses ? Thank you . 750 00:34:19,229 --> 00:34:23,169 Well , thanks Hay . Um in 751 00:34:23,179 --> 00:34:25,969 terms of consequences , you know , I 752 00:34:25,979 --> 00:34:28,810 I'll , I won't speculate on what could 753 00:34:28,820 --> 00:34:31,580 happen . Uh What should happen , that 754 00:34:31,590 --> 00:34:34,010 will be determined by , by the 755 00:34:34,020 --> 00:34:36,187 president , uh , if , uh if uh , if we 756 00:34:36,187 --> 00:34:39,540 reach a point that we , that something 757 00:34:39,550 --> 00:34:41,729 like that needs to happen . But what 758 00:34:41,739 --> 00:34:43,906 we've asked what we've highlighted for 759 00:34:43,906 --> 00:34:47,770 the Israelis is that , um , it's 760 00:34:47,780 --> 00:34:50,050 really important to make sure that the 761 00:34:50,060 --> 00:34:52,393 civilians that are in that battle space , 762 00:34:52,709 --> 00:34:55,100 uh move , uh move or move out of the 763 00:34:55,110 --> 00:34:57,221 battle space before any activity is , 764 00:34:57,221 --> 00:35:01,040 is conducted . And that , uh when , 765 00:35:01,659 --> 00:35:05,580 if , and when they return to , um , any 766 00:35:05,590 --> 00:35:09,179 kind of uh uh operation that it be 767 00:35:09,189 --> 00:35:11,699 conducted in a more much more precise 768 00:35:11,709 --> 00:35:15,229 uh fashion , uh they have not yet uh 769 00:35:15,239 --> 00:35:17,350 moved the civilians out of the battle 770 00:35:17,350 --> 00:35:19,517 space as you know , ha there were some 771 00:35:19,517 --> 00:35:23,060 275,000 or so peop uh people that were 772 00:35:23,070 --> 00:35:26,070 living in and around Rafah uh before 773 00:35:26,080 --> 00:35:29,270 the conflict started , now there's 1.4 774 00:35:29,280 --> 00:35:32,120 million or so people there . And that's 775 00:35:32,129 --> 00:35:34,296 a , that's a lot of people in a , in a 776 00:35:34,296 --> 00:35:38,149 very small space . Uh And uh 777 00:35:38,159 --> 00:35:41,790 again , if uh there's a good chance 778 00:35:41,800 --> 00:35:45,219 that , uh you know , without uh taking 779 00:35:45,229 --> 00:35:47,340 the right measures that the civilians 780 00:35:47,340 --> 00:35:50,689 will be , uh you know , 781 00:35:50,699 --> 00:35:52,643 civilians , we will see a lot more 782 00:35:52,643 --> 00:35:55,139 civilian casualties going forward . So 783 00:35:55,510 --> 00:35:57,677 before anything happens , we certainly 784 00:35:57,677 --> 00:35:59,909 want to see them address that , that 785 00:35:59,919 --> 00:36:02,429 threat to the civilians . And , uh , 786 00:36:02,790 --> 00:36:05,250 and , and again , we would , we would 787 00:36:05,260 --> 00:36:07,729 ask that things be sequenced but you 788 00:36:07,739 --> 00:36:10,260 know , right now the conditions are not 789 00:36:10,270 --> 00:36:13,360 favorable to any kind of operation and 790 00:36:13,370 --> 00:36:15,648 we've been clear about that , you know , 791 00:36:15,648 --> 00:36:17,870 it's , it's necessary to , to take care 792 00:36:17,870 --> 00:36:19,648 of , uh , the , the civilians , 793 00:36:19,648 --> 00:36:21,981 civilian population that's in that area . 794 00:36:21,981 --> 00:36:24,148 Uh , before anything else happens , uh 795 00:36:24,148 --> 00:36:26,340 in , uh , in , you , you asked about 796 00:36:26,850 --> 00:36:28,906 and Russians being in the same space 797 00:36:28,906 --> 00:36:31,017 that we're in , in . Uh I think , you 798 00:36:31,017 --> 00:36:32,906 know , that airbase 101 where our 799 00:36:32,906 --> 00:36:36,429 forces is , is a Nigerian uh air force 800 00:36:36,439 --> 00:36:39,810 base that uh is colo it with uh uh an 801 00:36:39,820 --> 00:36:41,876 international airport in the capital 802 00:36:41,876 --> 00:36:44,959 city . Um The Russians are in a 803 00:36:44,969 --> 00:36:47,250 separate uh compound and don't have 804 00:36:47,260 --> 00:36:49,750 access to us , forces or access to our 805 00:36:49,760 --> 00:36:52,310 equipment . Uh And this is something 806 00:36:52,320 --> 00:36:55,000 that , uh you know , again , I'm always 807 00:36:55,010 --> 00:36:57,177 focused on the , on the safety and the 808 00:36:57,177 --> 00:36:59,232 protection of our troops , something 809 00:36:59,232 --> 00:37:01,669 that we'll continue to watch . Uh But 810 00:37:01,679 --> 00:37:03,735 uh right now , I don't see , I don't 811 00:37:03,735 --> 00:37:06,199 see a significant issue here in terms 812 00:37:06,209 --> 00:37:09,320 of uh our , our force protection . 813 00:37:10,659 --> 00:37:13,469 Um Thanks for the question . I was um 814 00:37:13,530 --> 00:37:15,850 uh very pleased and honored to be able 815 00:37:15,860 --> 00:37:19,070 to announce our most recent package in 816 00:37:19,080 --> 00:37:22,409 support of Ukraine , which was uh $100 817 00:37:22,419 --> 00:37:25,050 million . Uh But in announcing that 818 00:37:25,060 --> 00:37:27,116 package , it is just the most recent 819 00:37:27,116 --> 00:37:29,338 package , there will be more . Um We've 820 00:37:29,338 --> 00:37:31,449 made it clear from the outset that we 821 00:37:31,449 --> 00:37:33,820 will stand with Ukraine for as long as 822 00:37:33,830 --> 00:37:36,000 it takes for Ukraine to resolve this 823 00:37:36,010 --> 00:37:38,540 conflict on its terms . And we see this 824 00:37:38,550 --> 00:37:40,661 as an enduring conflict where we will 825 00:37:40,661 --> 00:37:43,669 need to be standing side by side with 826 00:37:43,679 --> 00:37:46,280 Ukraine over the long term . And so 827 00:37:46,360 --> 00:37:49,379 that will see future packages just as 828 00:37:49,560 --> 00:37:51,616 there have been previous packages to 829 00:37:51,616 --> 00:37:54,199 the one that we announced last week . 830 00:37:54,530 --> 00:37:57,070 Uh But we did see that this was um a 831 00:37:57,080 --> 00:37:59,989 particularly um precarious moment for 832 00:38:00,000 --> 00:38:02,310 Ukraine . And so , uh we felt that it 833 00:38:02,320 --> 00:38:04,610 was important on this occasion in 834 00:38:04,620 --> 00:38:06,564 announcing the package to do so in 835 00:38:06,564 --> 00:38:08,949 Ukraine . And um I felt very , as I say , 836 00:38:08,959 --> 00:38:11,126 very privileged and honored to be able 837 00:38:11,126 --> 00:38:13,181 to make this announcement in Ukraine 838 00:38:13,181 --> 00:38:15,015 itself . Um I , I integrated air 839 00:38:15,015 --> 00:38:17,181 missile defense was a key priority for 840 00:38:17,181 --> 00:38:19,126 Ukraine and the conversations that 841 00:38:19,126 --> 00:38:21,459 we've had with the Ukrainian government , 842 00:38:21,459 --> 00:38:23,348 it formed about half of the , the 843 00:38:23,348 --> 00:38:25,348 package that we announced and we'll 844 00:38:25,348 --> 00:38:27,348 continue to work with the Ukrainian 845 00:38:27,348 --> 00:38:29,348 government going forward about what 846 00:38:29,348 --> 00:38:31,292 their priorities are and where our 847 00:38:31,292 --> 00:38:33,070 support can be best placed . Mr 848 00:38:33,070 --> 00:38:35,070 Ministers , secretaries . Thank you 849 00:38:35,070 --> 00:38:37,181 very much , gentlemen , for your time 850 00:38:37,181 --> 00:38:37,030 today . Ladies and gentlemen , this 851 00:38:37,040 --> 00:38:39,096 concludes our press briefing . Thank 852 00:38:39,096 --> 00:38:39,629 you for joining us today .