Department of War Undersecretary for Policy Elbridge Colby has reassured that the US military is capable of fulfilling its priority missions in the Indo-Pacific. Colby made the remarks in Manila, Philippines, amid growing concerns about China's increasing military activity in the South China Sea.
The US has been working to strengthen its forward posture and field combat-credible forces in the region. Colby described the US approach as defensive and aligned with the interests of regional states, aiming to deny any state the ability to become the regional hegemon.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, following a confrontation in Second Thomas Shoal and China's deployment of carrier strike groups in the West Philippine Sea. Colby's remarks also precede President Xi Jinping's state visit to the US in September.
