1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:05,030 --> 00:00:07,197 well thank you everyone for being here 3 00:00:07,197 --> 00:00:09,690 today . It is my pleasure to introduce 4 00:00:09,690 --> 00:00:11,801 Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin the 5 00:00:11,801 --> 00:00:13,968 third and Republic of Korea . Minister 6 00:00:13,968 --> 00:00:16,580 of National Defense lee jong su , the 7 00:00:16,580 --> 00:00:18,802 Secretary and the minister will deliver 8 00:00:18,802 --> 00:00:20,802 opening remarks and then we'll have 9 00:00:20,802 --> 00:00:22,913 time to take a few questions . I will 10 00:00:22,913 --> 00:00:24,969 moderate and call on the journalists 11 00:00:24,969 --> 00:00:27,136 and with that Secretary Austin over to 12 00:00:27,136 --> 00:00:29,690 you sir . Thanks Pat . Good afternoon 13 00:00:29,690 --> 00:00:32,370 everyone . And let me again warmly 14 00:00:32,370 --> 00:00:34,426 welcome Minister Lee and his team to 15 00:00:34,426 --> 00:00:38,210 the pentagon For the 54th Security 16 00:00:38,210 --> 00:00:41,110 Consultative Meeting . Mr Lee . It's 17 00:00:41,110 --> 00:00:44,490 great to have you here . Before I begin , 18 00:00:45,360 --> 00:00:47,590 I'd like to express my deepest 19 00:00:47,590 --> 00:00:49,530 condolences condolences for the 20 00:00:49,530 --> 00:00:52,710 terrible tragedy that occurred in Seoul 21 00:00:52,710 --> 00:00:56,050 this past weekend . Our hearts go out 22 00:00:56,060 --> 00:00:58,282 to the families of all the victims from 23 00:00:58,282 --> 00:01:01,300 across south Korea and around the world , 24 00:01:01,980 --> 00:01:04,270 Including two young Americans . 25 00:01:05,810 --> 00:01:07,921 And we stand together with the people 26 00:01:07,921 --> 00:01:09,866 of South Korea during this time of 27 00:01:09,866 --> 00:01:13,210 national mourning . Now 28 00:01:14,250 --> 00:01:16,710 it's highly unfortunate that the DpRK 29 00:01:16,710 --> 00:01:18,710 has chosen to interrupt this solemn 30 00:01:18,710 --> 00:01:21,760 period with the illegal and 31 00:01:21,770 --> 00:01:23,740 destabilizing launch of an 32 00:01:23,750 --> 00:01:26,390 intercontinental continental ballistic 33 00:01:26,390 --> 00:01:29,500 missile last night as well as 34 00:01:29,510 --> 00:01:32,010 additional missile launches . Today , 35 00:01:33,280 --> 00:01:35,336 I've consulted with Minister Lee and 36 00:01:35,336 --> 00:01:38,820 we've decided to extend vigilant 37 00:01:38,820 --> 00:01:42,490 storm which is our long schedule 38 00:01:42,490 --> 00:01:46,150 combined training exercise to further 39 00:01:46,150 --> 00:01:47,600 bolster our readiness and 40 00:01:47,600 --> 00:01:50,770 interoperability and we'll continue to 41 00:01:50,770 --> 00:01:52,660 work closely together to develop 42 00:01:52,660 --> 00:01:55,710 options to protect the United States 43 00:01:55,710 --> 00:01:59,710 and our allies in the region . Now 44 00:02:00,440 --> 00:02:04,350 let me turn to the work of the Security 45 00:02:04,350 --> 00:02:07,750 consultative meeting . As you know , 46 00:02:07,750 --> 00:02:09,917 it's the annual capstone event for the 47 00:02:09,917 --> 00:02:13,890 US Rock alliance and 48 00:02:13,890 --> 00:02:16,057 it brings our defense leaders together 49 00:02:16,057 --> 00:02:17,890 to discuss shared challenges and 50 00:02:17,890 --> 00:02:20,740 opportunities and to deepen our 51 00:02:20,740 --> 00:02:22,810 cooperation and friendship . 52 00:02:24,620 --> 00:02:26,420 Next year will mark the 70th 53 00:02:26,420 --> 00:02:29,890 anniversary of the signing of the US 54 00:02:29,900 --> 00:02:33,480 Rock Mutual defense treaty and the 55 00:02:33,480 --> 00:02:35,710 establishment of our alliance 56 00:02:37,240 --> 00:02:39,750 for nearly seven decades , this 57 00:02:39,750 --> 00:02:41,806 alliance has been an anchor of peace 58 00:02:41,806 --> 00:02:44,530 and security on the korean peninsula 59 00:02:44,540 --> 00:02:48,070 and across the broader indo pacific 60 00:02:49,190 --> 00:02:52,710 and today the Rok is a 61 00:02:52,710 --> 00:02:56,290 tremendously capable ally and a 62 00:02:56,290 --> 00:02:59,990 provider of security in the region and 63 00:02:59,990 --> 00:03:01,657 a defender of the rules based 64 00:03:01,657 --> 00:03:04,340 international order that keeps us all 65 00:03:04,340 --> 00:03:08,340 secure . Now , Minister Lee and I had 66 00:03:08,350 --> 00:03:11,880 an outstanding discussion today we 67 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:13,713 talked about the D . P R . K . S 68 00:03:13,713 --> 00:03:15,213 continued provocations and 69 00:03:15,213 --> 00:03:19,130 destabilizing actions and at this 70 00:03:19,130 --> 00:03:22,000 time of heightened tension . Our 71 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:25,690 alliance is ironclad . The United 72 00:03:25,690 --> 00:03:27,801 States remains fully committed to the 73 00:03:27,801 --> 00:03:30,940 defense of the Rok and our extended 74 00:03:30,940 --> 00:03:34,680 deterrence commitment is firm and 75 00:03:34,680 --> 00:03:37,210 includes a full range of our nuclear 76 00:03:37,540 --> 00:03:39,990 and conventional and missile defense 77 00:03:39,990 --> 00:03:43,850 capabilities . Minister 78 00:03:43,850 --> 00:03:45,628 Lee and I also talked about the 79 00:03:45,628 --> 00:03:47,794 tremendous progress that we've made in 80 00:03:47,794 --> 00:03:50,060 recent months to deepen our secure our 81 00:03:50,060 --> 00:03:52,480 cooperation and bolster our shared 82 00:03:52,480 --> 00:03:56,300 security just within the past year . 83 00:03:56,300 --> 00:03:58,300 We have conducted a very successful 84 00:03:58,300 --> 00:04:01,270 summit between our presidents that 85 00:04:01,270 --> 00:04:03,800 charted a shared vision for our 86 00:04:03,800 --> 00:04:07,750 alliance's future in july . 87 00:04:07,760 --> 00:04:11,330 We deployed 5th Generation fighters to 88 00:04:11,330 --> 00:04:14,490 the Republic of Korea and in late 89 00:04:14,490 --> 00:04:17,560 september the USs Ronald Reagan 90 00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:20,440 conducted his first court call To the 91 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:23,950 rok in five years on the 92 00:04:23,950 --> 00:04:25,950 peninsula . Were returning to large 93 00:04:25,950 --> 00:04:28,510 scale exercises to strengthen our 94 00:04:28,510 --> 00:04:30,621 combined readiness and our ability to 95 00:04:30,621 --> 00:04:33,030 fight tonight if necessary . 96 00:04:34,690 --> 00:04:37,000 We're committed to building on on these 97 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:39,150 efforts to strengthen integrated 98 00:04:39,150 --> 00:04:42,010 deterrence and to ensure that this 99 00:04:42,010 --> 00:04:44,980 alliance continues to bolster security 100 00:04:44,990 --> 00:04:47,220 and stability on the korean peninsula 101 00:04:47,220 --> 00:04:48,998 and throughout the indo pacific 102 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:55,210 you know , for decades , US and rok 103 00:04:55,210 --> 00:04:58,040 service members have fought side by 104 00:04:58,040 --> 00:05:00,410 side to defend the ideals of freedom . 105 00:05:02,580 --> 00:05:05,400 This alliance is founded on that shared 106 00:05:05,410 --> 00:05:08,940 sacrifice . So we will confront the 107 00:05:08,940 --> 00:05:11,051 challenges of the future the same way 108 00:05:11,051 --> 00:05:14,360 that we have for nearly 70 years by 109 00:05:14,360 --> 00:05:17,180 standing shoulder to shoulder that's 110 00:05:17,180 --> 00:05:20,770 proud allies . I'm enormously 111 00:05:20,770 --> 00:05:22,603 proud of what we've accomplished 112 00:05:22,603 --> 00:05:24,770 together and I'm very grateful for the 113 00:05:24,770 --> 00:05:27,460 Republic of Korea's partnership . So 114 00:05:27,460 --> 00:05:29,516 thank you and let me turn it over to 115 00:05:29,516 --> 00:05:31,293 Minister lee for his comments . 116 00:05:32,830 --> 00:05:36,530 Hello , I'm Rock Minister of Defense 117 00:05:36,540 --> 00:05:39,010 first of all , 118 00:05:40,540 --> 00:05:44,280 thank you very much for your sincere 119 00:05:44,280 --> 00:05:46,490 condolences to the tragedy happened in 120 00:05:46,490 --> 00:05:50,270 Korea also 121 00:05:50,280 --> 00:05:52,850 thank you for your effort for the peace 122 00:05:52,850 --> 00:05:54,906 and security of the korean peninsula 123 00:05:54,906 --> 00:05:56,961 peninsula and development of Rock US 124 00:05:56,961 --> 00:05:59,072 Alliance and your support . Thank you 125 00:05:59,072 --> 00:06:03,010 very much for that today . Through 126 00:06:03,020 --> 00:06:05,710 the 54th security consultation meeting 127 00:06:05,710 --> 00:06:07,710 hosted for the first time since the 128 00:06:07,710 --> 00:06:10,043 inauguration of the unit administration . 129 00:06:10,043 --> 00:06:12,154 We once again affirmed the robustness 130 00:06:12,154 --> 00:06:14,250 of the Iraq US military alliance and 131 00:06:14,250 --> 00:06:16,350 the steadfastness of the combined 132 00:06:16,350 --> 00:06:20,320 defense posture furthermore . Reaffirm 133 00:06:20,330 --> 00:06:23,140 that Rock US alliance is developing 134 00:06:23,140 --> 00:06:25,362 into a global , comprehensive strategic 135 00:06:25,362 --> 00:06:27,584 alliance based on shared values such as 136 00:06:27,584 --> 00:06:29,930 liberal democracy , human rights and 137 00:06:29,930 --> 00:06:33,270 the rule of law , Secretary 138 00:06:33,270 --> 00:06:35,770 Austin and I held two ministerial 139 00:06:35,770 --> 00:06:37,659 meetings this year to work on the 140 00:06:37,659 --> 00:06:40,560 details of the agreements on defense 141 00:06:40,560 --> 00:06:42,560 areas as agreed upon during the May 142 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:45,990 Rock US presidential summit Today was 143 00:06:45,990 --> 00:06:48,157 my third time to meet Secretary Austin 144 00:06:48,157 --> 00:06:50,046 and we made a lot of achievements 145 00:06:50,046 --> 00:06:53,730 during this 54th SCM First 146 00:06:53,745 --> 00:06:56,745 Secretary Austin and I assess the daily 147 00:06:56,745 --> 00:06:59,345 advances of DpRK nuclear and missile 148 00:06:59,345 --> 00:07:01,745 threats as a grave security challenge 149 00:07:01,755 --> 00:07:03,866 to the peace and stability , not only 150 00:07:03,866 --> 00:07:05,811 on the korean peninsula and in the 151 00:07:05,811 --> 00:07:07,422 Northeast Asia , but for the 152 00:07:07,422 --> 00:07:09,644 international community and in order to 153 00:07:09,644 --> 00:07:11,755 practically deter and respond to such 154 00:07:11,755 --> 00:07:13,477 threats . We agreed to further 155 00:07:13,477 --> 00:07:15,533 strengthen the alliance capabilities 156 00:07:15,533 --> 00:07:16,533 and posture , 157 00:07:17,010 --> 00:07:20,630 Secretary Austin 158 00:07:20,640 --> 00:07:22,807 committed to the provision of extended 159 00:07:22,807 --> 00:07:25,010 deterrence to the republic of Korea , 160 00:07:25,020 --> 00:07:27,131 leveraging the full range of military 161 00:07:27,131 --> 00:07:29,353 capabilities including not only nuclear 162 00:07:29,353 --> 00:07:31,353 and conventional forces but missile 163 00:07:31,353 --> 00:07:33,131 defense capabilities , but also 164 00:07:33,131 --> 00:07:35,298 advanced non nuclear capabilities such 165 00:07:35,298 --> 00:07:37,353 as space , cyber and electromagnetic 166 00:07:37,353 --> 00:07:41,340 capabilities . Secretary Austin and 167 00:07:41,340 --> 00:07:43,480 I affirmed that any nuclear attack by 168 00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:45,740 the DpRK including the use of tactical 169 00:07:45,740 --> 00:07:48,030 nuclear weapons is unacceptable and 170 00:07:48,030 --> 00:07:50,363 result in the end of kim jong un regime . 171 00:07:50,363 --> 00:07:52,197 By the overwhelming and decisive 172 00:07:52,197 --> 00:07:53,197 response of the 173 00:07:53,197 --> 00:07:59,140 alliance . 174 00:07:59,750 --> 00:08:02,300 This is a strong warning against the 175 00:08:02,300 --> 00:08:05,990 DpRK . Also , Secretary 176 00:08:05,990 --> 00:08:07,790 Austin and I pledge to further 177 00:08:07,790 --> 00:08:09,790 strengthen alliances capability and 178 00:08:09,790 --> 00:08:11,901 posture in respective areas including 179 00:08:11,901 --> 00:08:13,734 information sharing consultation 180 00:08:13,734 --> 00:08:16,040 process . Joint planning and execution 181 00:08:16,050 --> 00:08:18,272 to effectively deter and respond to the 182 00:08:18,272 --> 00:08:20,550 Dprk advancing nuclear and missile 183 00:08:20,550 --> 00:08:24,390 threats . In particular . Secretary and 184 00:08:24,390 --> 00:08:26,612 I will work on response options towards 185 00:08:26,612 --> 00:08:28,730 all possible nuclear use scenarios by 186 00:08:28,730 --> 00:08:31,380 the DpRK . To this end , 187 00:08:31,540 --> 00:08:34,680 Secretary and I noted that progress in 188 00:08:34,680 --> 00:08:37,320 revising the tailored the term strategy 189 00:08:37,320 --> 00:08:40,040 or TDS and pledged to put efforts to 190 00:08:40,040 --> 00:08:42,262 complete the revision of the TDS by the 191 00:08:42,262 --> 00:08:45,150 2023 SCM and prepare response options 192 00:08:45,150 --> 00:08:47,590 bi annually conducting turn strategy 193 00:08:47,590 --> 00:08:51,090 committee tabletop exercise or 194 00:08:51,090 --> 00:08:54,390 DSC T T . X under the scenario of DpRK 195 00:08:54,390 --> 00:08:58,150 nuclear use . In 196 00:08:58,150 --> 00:09:00,340 addition , Secretary Austin pledged to 197 00:09:00,340 --> 00:09:02,530 effectively respond to any DpRK 198 00:09:02,530 --> 00:09:05,190 provocation by employing US strategic 199 00:09:05,190 --> 00:09:07,079 assets to the level equivalent to 200 00:09:07,079 --> 00:09:09,246 constant deployment through increasing 201 00:09:09,246 --> 00:09:10,968 the frequency and intensity of 202 00:09:10,968 --> 00:09:12,857 strategic asset deployment in and 203 00:09:12,857 --> 00:09:15,640 around the korean peninsula , 204 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:21,000 along with the efforts of the alliance 205 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:23,310 to deter and respond to Dprk nuclear 206 00:09:23,310 --> 00:09:25,880 threats . Secretary Austin and I pledge 207 00:09:25,880 --> 00:09:28,350 to encourage DpRK to choose 208 00:09:28,360 --> 00:09:30,360 denuclearization and the path for a 209 00:09:30,360 --> 00:09:32,416 brighter future . We also pledged to 210 00:09:32,416 --> 00:09:34,527 continue our cooperation to achieve a 211 00:09:34,527 --> 00:09:36,471 complete denuclearization of north 212 00:09:36,471 --> 00:09:39,770 Korea . In this context , 213 00:09:39,780 --> 00:09:42,150 Secretary Austin assessed that the Rock 214 00:09:42,150 --> 00:09:44,261 governments audacious initiative is a 215 00:09:44,261 --> 00:09:46,210 practical approach and expresses 216 00:09:46,220 --> 00:09:48,900 support for it . Rock government 217 00:09:48,900 --> 00:09:51,067 audacious initiative is along the same 218 00:09:51,067 --> 00:09:53,920 line as the US approach to the DpRK an 219 00:09:53,920 --> 00:09:55,864 approach of victorian DpRK threats 220 00:09:55,864 --> 00:09:58,031 based on overwhelming combined defense 221 00:09:58,031 --> 00:09:59,809 capability and posture while in 222 00:09:59,809 --> 00:10:01,698 parallel seeking for a diplomatic 223 00:10:01,698 --> 00:10:03,587 solution by keeping the window of 224 00:10:03,587 --> 00:10:07,320 dialogue open . 225 00:10:09,090 --> 00:10:12,090 As stated , both countries will adhere 226 00:10:12,090 --> 00:10:14,630 to the principle DpRK policies through 227 00:10:14,630 --> 00:10:17,650 close cooperation until the day DPRK 228 00:10:17,650 --> 00:10:21,410 decides to denuclearize and the Rock 229 00:10:21,410 --> 00:10:23,688 Ministry of National Defense and the U . 230 00:10:23,688 --> 00:10:25,910 S . Department of Defense will backstop 231 00:10:25,910 --> 00:10:28,077 the efforts with strength . During the 232 00:10:28,077 --> 00:10:30,299 meeting . There are earnest discussions 233 00:10:30,299 --> 00:10:32,354 and cooperation between the Rock and 234 00:10:32,354 --> 00:10:34,132 the US and our partners for the 235 00:10:34,132 --> 00:10:36,077 promotion of regional security and 236 00:10:36,077 --> 00:10:38,077 measures of bolstering multilateral 237 00:10:38,077 --> 00:10:41,060 cooperation in order to respond to DpRK 238 00:10:41,060 --> 00:10:43,282 nuclear and missile threats . Secretary 239 00:10:43,282 --> 00:10:45,338 and I formed to continuously advance 240 00:10:45,338 --> 00:10:47,625 Iraq US Japan security cooperation for 241 00:10:47,625 --> 00:10:50,005 which we agreed to activate trilateral 242 00:10:50,005 --> 00:10:52,095 senior level policy consultation , 243 00:10:52,125 --> 00:10:54,455 information sharing , training and 244 00:10:54,455 --> 00:10:57,285 personnel exchanges and Secretary and I . 245 00:10:57,285 --> 00:10:59,755 I also pledged to resume early next 246 00:10:59,755 --> 00:11:01,915 year . The ASD level policy 247 00:11:01,915 --> 00:11:03,748 consultation body called defense 248 00:11:03,748 --> 00:11:06,330 trilateral talks or D . T . T , which 249 00:11:06,330 --> 00:11:08,552 has been suspended for the past years . 250 00:11:08,552 --> 00:11:10,970 Secretary and I also shared a strong 251 00:11:10,970 --> 00:11:12,914 sentiment on the importance of the 252 00:11:12,914 --> 00:11:14,914 rules based international order and 253 00:11:14,914 --> 00:11:16,970 pledged to closely cooperate for the 254 00:11:16,970 --> 00:11:18,859 peace and stability in the in the 255 00:11:18,859 --> 00:11:21,730 pacific region In particular , 256 00:11:21,730 --> 00:11:23,508 Secretary Austin expressed much 257 00:11:23,508 --> 00:11:26,170 interest in the indo pacific strategy 258 00:11:26,180 --> 00:11:28,780 framework which is the Rock government 259 00:11:28,780 --> 00:11:31,470 is currently developing the republic of 260 00:11:31,470 --> 00:11:33,692 Korea is a responsible , global pivotal 261 00:11:33,692 --> 00:11:35,859 state of the international community , 262 00:11:35,859 --> 00:11:37,914 will more closely cooperate with the 263 00:11:37,914 --> 00:11:39,970 United States . The only ally of our 264 00:11:39,970 --> 00:11:41,960 nation in order to overcome global 265 00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:43,930 security challenges 266 00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:51,570 next 267 00:11:51,570 --> 00:11:54,000 year marks the 70th anniversary of the 268 00:11:54,000 --> 00:11:56,111 Rock US Alliance . While pursuing the 269 00:11:56,111 --> 00:11:58,278 goal of global comprehensive Strategic 270 00:11:58,278 --> 00:12:00,180 Alliance . Secretary Austin and I 271 00:12:00,180 --> 00:12:02,960 concur to plan and hold various joint 272 00:12:02,970 --> 00:12:05,010 events in celebration of the 70th 273 00:12:05,010 --> 00:12:07,121 anniversary for future advance of the 274 00:12:07,121 --> 00:12:09,915 alliance . The events will serve as an 275 00:12:09,915 --> 00:12:12,026 opportunity for us to commemorate the 276 00:12:12,026 --> 00:12:13,637 noble sacrifices made in the 277 00:12:13,637 --> 00:12:15,637 battlefields by the rocking U . S . 278 00:12:15,637 --> 00:12:17,748 Service members and to consult on the 279 00:12:17,748 --> 00:12:20,075 challenges which alliance faces today 280 00:12:20,085 --> 00:12:23,995 and to envision the path forward 281 00:12:23,995 --> 00:12:25,730 for Rock US alliance 282 00:12:27,100 --> 00:12:29,920 By reaffirming the unwavering us 283 00:12:29,920 --> 00:12:32,031 defense commitment to the Republic of 284 00:12:32,031 --> 00:12:33,809 Korea efforts to strengthen the 285 00:12:33,809 --> 00:12:35,976 capabilities to implement the extended 286 00:12:35,976 --> 00:12:38,330 deterrence as well as a robust combined 287 00:12:38,330 --> 00:12:40,630 defense posture based on the capability 288 00:12:40,640 --> 00:12:42,970 and resolve our two nations through the 289 00:12:42,970 --> 00:12:46,935 54 SCM . Secretary Austin and I . S . S . 290 00:12:46,935 --> 00:12:48,991 That we have demonstrated values and 291 00:12:48,991 --> 00:12:51,046 trust of the Rock US alliance to the 292 00:12:51,046 --> 00:12:52,991 people of both nations and a great 293 00:12:52,991 --> 00:12:55,157 message of warning to the DPRK and the 294 00:12:55,157 --> 00:12:57,635 robustness of the alliance to the 295 00:12:57,645 --> 00:12:59,905 international community . 296 00:12:59,915 --> 00:13:03,645 Lastly , I once again extend my sincere 297 00:13:03,645 --> 00:13:05,995 gratitude to Secretary Austin and the 298 00:13:05,995 --> 00:13:08,162 staff at the Department of Defense for 299 00:13:08,162 --> 00:13:10,273 their warm hospitality towards myself 300 00:13:10,273 --> 00:13:12,273 and the Rock delegation . Thank you 301 00:13:12,273 --> 00:13:14,495 very much . Secretary Austin . Minister 302 00:13:14,495 --> 00:13:16,662 lee , thank you gentlemen , ladies and 303 00:13:16,662 --> 00:13:18,551 gentlemen , we'll be switching to 304 00:13:18,551 --> 00:13:20,328 consecutive translation for the 305 00:13:20,328 --> 00:13:22,273 question and answer portion . So I 306 00:13:22,273 --> 00:13:24,273 would ask you to kindly remove your 307 00:13:24,273 --> 00:13:26,439 headsets . Uh First question will come 308 00:13:26,439 --> 00:13:28,662 from Reuters Phil Stewart . Thank you . 309 00:13:28,662 --> 00:13:30,828 Secretary Austin . Do you repeated and 310 00:13:30,828 --> 00:13:32,717 increasingly regular North korean 311 00:13:32,717 --> 00:13:34,884 missile tests show the US rok alliance 312 00:13:34,884 --> 00:13:37,051 needs to adjust its deterrent strategy 313 00:13:37,051 --> 00:13:39,273 and on Russia . Is your assessment that 314 00:13:39,273 --> 00:13:41,495 Ukrainian forces will be able to retake 315 00:13:41,495 --> 00:13:43,551 Carson city and and that the Russian 316 00:13:43,551 --> 00:13:45,606 forces are preparing to leave and to 317 00:13:45,606 --> 00:13:47,773 Minister lee you've called for a shift 318 00:13:47,773 --> 00:13:49,850 in strategy away from trying to stop 319 00:13:49,850 --> 00:13:51,850 north Korea from developing nuclear 320 00:13:51,850 --> 00:13:53,961 weapons . But what would a shift from 321 00:13:53,961 --> 00:13:56,072 denuclearization looked like ? And do 322 00:13:56,072 --> 00:13:57,906 you believe the U . S . Needs to 323 00:13:57,906 --> 00:14:00,128 consider reintroducing tactical nuclear 324 00:14:00,128 --> 00:14:02,350 weapons to the korean peninsula ? Thank 325 00:14:02,350 --> 00:14:05,690 you . Thanks Phil 326 00:14:05,700 --> 00:14:08,780 on on the first question , in terms of 327 00:14:08,780 --> 00:14:12,290 whether or not we need to adjust our 328 00:14:12,290 --> 00:14:15,810 strategy . Just say first that you've 329 00:14:15,810 --> 00:14:17,860 heard me say this a number of times 330 00:14:17,870 --> 00:14:20,690 that we you know , our commitment to 331 00:14:20,700 --> 00:14:24,300 defending the Rok is iron clad . Uh 332 00:14:24,310 --> 00:14:28,040 we strongly condemn the the 333 00:14:28,050 --> 00:14:31,600 Dprk is irresponsible and 334 00:14:31,600 --> 00:14:35,240 reckless activities . As we said before . 335 00:14:35,240 --> 00:14:36,907 These kinds of activities are 336 00:14:36,907 --> 00:14:39,400 destabilizing to the region potentially . 337 00:14:39,930 --> 00:14:43,260 So we call on them to to cease that 338 00:14:43,270 --> 00:14:45,460 that type of activity and to begin to 339 00:14:45,460 --> 00:14:48,910 engage in serious dialogue on the issue 340 00:14:48,910 --> 00:14:51,600 of whether or not the Ukrainians can 341 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:56,670 take the remaining territory on the 342 00:14:56,670 --> 00:14:59,920 west side of the of the Dnieper River 343 00:14:59,920 --> 00:15:03,460 in uh in in Kherson , I certainly 344 00:15:03,460 --> 00:15:05,571 believe that they have the capability 345 00:15:05,571 --> 00:15:07,571 to do that . Most importantly , the 346 00:15:07,571 --> 00:15:09,682 Ukrainians believe that they have the 347 00:15:09,682 --> 00:15:11,904 capability to do that . We've seen them 348 00:15:11,904 --> 00:15:13,682 engage in a very methodical but 349 00:15:13,682 --> 00:15:17,570 effective uh effort to uh to take 350 00:15:17,580 --> 00:15:19,760 back their sovereign territory . I 351 00:15:19,760 --> 00:15:21,982 think you'll see them continue to press 352 00:15:21,982 --> 00:15:25,160 until they secure the territory on the 353 00:15:25,170 --> 00:15:27,520 on the west side of the of the river . 354 00:15:27,530 --> 00:15:29,752 So to answer your question , I do think 355 00:15:29,752 --> 00:15:33,020 they have the capability . Good . 356 00:15:52,140 --> 00:15:54,430 As for the question that was asked me , 357 00:15:54,430 --> 00:15:56,486 I believe the question was regarding 358 00:15:56,486 --> 00:15:58,597 the redeployment of tactical nukes of 359 00:15:58,597 --> 00:16:00,319 the United States to state our 360 00:16:00,319 --> 00:16:02,541 government's stance of denuclearization 361 00:16:02,541 --> 00:16:04,763 policy on the on the korean peninsula . 362 00:16:04,763 --> 00:16:06,986 I'd like to say that there is no change 363 00:16:06,986 --> 00:16:09,208 in our denuclearization policy and that 364 00:16:09,208 --> 00:16:11,430 for now we do not have we are currently 365 00:16:11,430 --> 00:16:13,652 not thinking to redeploy tactical nukes 366 00:16:13,652 --> 00:16:12,780 on the korean peninsula . Thank you . 367 00:16:13,360 --> 00:16:15,471 Thank you gentlemen . Next , we'll go 368 00:16:15,471 --> 00:16:19,350 to Korea herald From the 369 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:21,900 career . Right , I have two questions 370 00:16:21,910 --> 00:16:24,260 for Secretary Austin . My first 371 00:16:24,260 --> 00:16:27,340 question is on the effectiveness of the 372 00:16:27,340 --> 00:16:30,280 US extended deterrence . Um North Korea 373 00:16:30,280 --> 00:16:32,560 has so far launched more than 40 374 00:16:32,570 --> 00:16:34,737 missiles of different types since late 375 00:16:34,737 --> 00:16:36,403 September and north Korea has 376 00:16:36,403 --> 00:16:38,459 threatened to strike targeting south 377 00:16:38,459 --> 00:16:40,514 south korean territory with tactical 378 00:16:40,710 --> 00:16:43,260 nuclear weapons ? Clearly , North Korea 379 00:16:43,260 --> 00:16:45,093 has continued saber rattling and 380 00:16:45,093 --> 00:16:47,480 provocations . But do you still think 381 00:16:47,480 --> 00:16:49,536 that the current extended deterrence 382 00:16:49,536 --> 00:16:51,830 arrangement has been effective in 383 00:16:51,850 --> 00:16:54,040 deterring north Korea . And what kind 384 00:16:54,040 --> 00:16:56,096 of north korean behavior the U . S . 385 00:16:56,096 --> 00:16:58,700 And South Korea said to deter . And my 386 00:16:58,700 --> 00:17:00,867 second question is on the inter korean 387 00:17:00,867 --> 00:17:02,970 military agreement . North Korea has 388 00:17:02,970 --> 00:17:04,803 repeatedly violated inter korean 389 00:17:04,803 --> 00:17:06,980 Comprehensive military agreement ? It 390 00:17:06,980 --> 00:17:10,020 has fired around 1000 artillery shells . 391 00:17:10,240 --> 00:17:12,351 Inter korean maritime . Before john . 392 00:17:12,351 --> 00:17:14,184 Um do you think the inter korean 393 00:17:14,184 --> 00:17:16,184 comprehensive military agreement is 394 00:17:16,184 --> 00:17:18,520 still effective in reducing tensions 395 00:17:18,520 --> 00:17:20,576 between the two Korea . Do you still 396 00:17:20,576 --> 00:17:22,576 support introduced , do you support 397 00:17:22,576 --> 00:17:24,798 inter korean military tension reduction 398 00:17:24,798 --> 00:17:26,853 agreement ? Or should we abandon the 399 00:17:26,853 --> 00:17:27,720 deal ? Yeah . 400 00:17:31,260 --> 00:17:34,050 On on the second question , I certainly , 401 00:17:34,060 --> 00:17:37,200 yes , I do think it's uh it's effective 402 00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:39,920 and it certainly would uh 403 00:17:41,190 --> 00:17:43,620 invite comments from my my colleague 404 00:17:43,620 --> 00:17:47,040 here , Minister lee as well in terms of 405 00:17:47,040 --> 00:17:49,390 the effectiveness of the our deterrence . 406 00:17:49,470 --> 00:17:51,692 Yes , I do think we've been effective . 407 00:17:52,080 --> 00:17:55,420 I would point out to you that we have 408 00:17:55,420 --> 00:17:59,300 recently uh gone back 409 00:17:59,300 --> 00:18:02,860 to conducting a number of 410 00:18:02,860 --> 00:18:05,100 exercises that are focused on 411 00:18:05,110 --> 00:18:08,880 uh increasing our readiness and our 412 00:18:08,880 --> 00:18:10,991 ability to be able to fight tonight . 413 00:18:10,991 --> 00:18:13,213 As a matter of fact right now , we have 414 00:18:13,213 --> 00:18:15,436 one of the largest exercises that we've 415 00:18:15,436 --> 00:18:18,690 seen in uh in recent history , There's 416 00:18:18,690 --> 00:18:22,140 some over 240 aircraft that 417 00:18:22,150 --> 00:18:25,000 they're part of that exercise and 418 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:27,222 they're doing uh you know , a number of 419 00:18:27,222 --> 00:18:29,710 high end types of uh training events , 420 00:18:29,710 --> 00:18:31,821 conducting a number of high end types 421 00:18:31,821 --> 00:18:34,043 of training events . And all of that is 422 00:18:34,043 --> 00:18:36,290 designed to ensure that that we we have 423 00:18:36,290 --> 00:18:40,170 the ability to defend the peninsula uh 424 00:18:40,180 --> 00:18:42,970 if if called to do so . And so I think 425 00:18:42,970 --> 00:18:44,803 I think this increase focused on 426 00:18:44,803 --> 00:18:46,914 readiness . Uh this uh you know , our 427 00:18:46,914 --> 00:18:50,370 ability to redeploy or deploy strategic 428 00:18:50,370 --> 00:18:52,537 assets to the peninsula as you've seen 429 00:18:52,537 --> 00:18:54,650 us do here with fifth generation 430 00:18:54,650 --> 00:18:57,280 fighters recently . You've also seen us 431 00:18:57,290 --> 00:19:01,070 uh move a 432 00:19:01,070 --> 00:19:04,150 carrier into into ports there recently . 433 00:19:04,150 --> 00:19:06,317 And uh and I think that's that sends a 434 00:19:06,317 --> 00:19:08,470 pretty strong signal as well . But it 435 00:19:08,470 --> 00:19:11,990 could be that uh that uh 436 00:19:14,030 --> 00:19:16,252 you know , our neighbors in the north , 437 00:19:16,252 --> 00:19:18,086 there may be concerned about our 438 00:19:18,086 --> 00:19:20,308 increased focus on readiness . So yes , 439 00:19:20,308 --> 00:19:22,141 I do think we've been we've been 440 00:19:22,141 --> 00:19:24,308 effective and we will continue to look 441 00:19:24,308 --> 00:19:26,197 at this and ensure that we remain 442 00:19:26,197 --> 00:19:29,890 effective . What kind of 443 00:19:30,200 --> 00:19:33,240 behaviors us and self specifically said 444 00:19:33,240 --> 00:19:36,810 to deter , what kind of behaviors would 445 00:19:36,810 --> 00:19:39,480 we behaviors do The U . S . And South 446 00:19:39,480 --> 00:19:43,200 Korea seek to deter , expect to deter ? 447 00:19:43,830 --> 00:19:46,470 What is the desired behavior that the U . 448 00:19:46,470 --> 00:19:48,692 S . And South Korea are trying to bring 449 00:19:48,692 --> 00:19:50,859 about ? Well , certainly we don't want 450 00:19:50,859 --> 00:19:54,340 to see , you know , anyone make a 451 00:19:54,340 --> 00:19:57,080 decision to employ a nuclear device . 452 00:19:57,090 --> 00:20:00,890 Uh And lately , as you've seen , um , 453 00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:05,480 North Koreans have have engaged in 454 00:20:05,480 --> 00:20:08,690 activity such as an inter uh 455 00:20:09,860 --> 00:20:12,050 testing an inter continental ballistic 456 00:20:12,050 --> 00:20:13,939 missile , a number of short range 457 00:20:13,939 --> 00:20:16,570 ballistic missiles , firing artillery 458 00:20:16,580 --> 00:20:20,530 into uh into the ocean . Uh And and 459 00:20:20,530 --> 00:20:24,530 so all of this activity is potentially 460 00:20:24,530 --> 00:20:26,530 destabilizing . And so , you know , 461 00:20:26,530 --> 00:20:30,480 again , you know , I think I think it's 462 00:20:30,480 --> 00:20:32,790 possible that they could continue to do 463 00:20:32,790 --> 00:20:34,901 that kind of thing . But certainly we 464 00:20:34,901 --> 00:20:36,957 are focused on making sure that they 465 00:20:36,957 --> 00:20:39,179 don't choose to employ a nuclear weapon 466 00:20:39,179 --> 00:20:42,280 or choose to attack . Uh South 467 00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:44,950 Korea 468 00:20:47,670 --> 00:20:49,948 a question for each of you , Secretary , 469 00:20:49,948 --> 00:20:52,059 sir , the minister said just a moment 470 00:20:52,059 --> 00:20:54,059 ago that you pledged to effectively 471 00:20:54,059 --> 00:20:56,003 respond to any Dprk provocation by 472 00:20:56,003 --> 00:20:57,670 employing us strategic assets 473 00:20:57,670 --> 00:20:59,670 equivalent to a constant deployment 474 00:20:59,670 --> 00:20:59,230 through increased frequency and 475 00:20:59,230 --> 00:21:01,563 intensity of strategic asset deployment . 476 00:21:01,563 --> 00:21:03,730 What strategic assets do you intend to 477 00:21:03,730 --> 00:21:05,952 deploy to the korean peninsula ? And is 478 00:21:05,952 --> 00:21:08,119 is this a change in U . S . Posture in 479 00:21:08,119 --> 00:21:10,174 the region ? And Minister , sir , do 480 00:21:10,174 --> 00:21:09,690 you believe in North korean nuclear 481 00:21:09,690 --> 00:21:11,912 test is imminent and is china playing a 482 00:21:11,912 --> 00:21:13,968 constructive role in preventing them 483 00:21:13,968 --> 00:21:16,500 from carrying out such a test ? You've 484 00:21:16,500 --> 00:21:20,060 seen us recently redeploy fifth 485 00:21:20,060 --> 00:21:23,850 generation uh fighter aircraft . You've 486 00:21:23,850 --> 00:21:25,970 seen us uh 487 00:21:26,980 --> 00:21:30,410 exercise our strategic assets from time 488 00:21:30,410 --> 00:21:33,560 to time and and again . Uh We to answer 489 00:21:33,560 --> 00:21:36,640 your question , we don't have uh a plan 490 00:21:36,640 --> 00:21:39,790 to uh change permanent 491 00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:42,460 uh our permanent positioning or 492 00:21:42,460 --> 00:21:45,460 stationing of uh of assets on the on 493 00:21:45,460 --> 00:21:48,200 the peninsula currently , but what 494 00:21:48,200 --> 00:21:51,780 we're doing together uh not only by on 495 00:21:51,780 --> 00:21:54,580 a bilateral basis but also with our our 496 00:21:54,590 --> 00:21:58,050 allies in Japan uh in each and every 497 00:21:58,050 --> 00:22:01,090 case , we'll assess what uh you know , 498 00:22:01,100 --> 00:22:03,890 what's going on and we'll we'll we'll 499 00:22:03,890 --> 00:22:06,570 work together to ensure that we provide 500 00:22:06,570 --> 00:22:09,230 the right kind of deterrent message . 501 00:22:09,240 --> 00:22:11,700 So to answer your question , no new 502 00:22:11,700 --> 00:22:14,220 deployment of strategic assets on a 503 00:22:14,220 --> 00:22:16,442 permanent basis . But you'll see assets 504 00:22:16,442 --> 00:22:18,890 moving it out on a routine basis . 505 00:22:24,060 --> 00:22:25,260 Uh 506 00:23:07,950 --> 00:23:11,150 so to respond to the answer , asking 507 00:23:11,150 --> 00:23:12,983 whether North Korea is ready for 508 00:23:12,983 --> 00:23:15,039 nuclear test . I can I can state the 509 00:23:15,039 --> 00:23:17,150 statement that um has for the third 510 00:23:17,150 --> 00:23:19,261 underground facility in North Korea , 511 00:23:19,261 --> 00:23:21,261 they are ready to conduct a nuclear 512 00:23:21,261 --> 00:23:23,428 test at that area . But when they will 513 00:23:23,428 --> 00:23:26,070 carry out the nuclear test is currently 514 00:23:26,080 --> 00:23:28,580 still curiosity , as North Korea will 515 00:23:28,580 --> 00:23:30,802 have to take into account the political 516 00:23:30,802 --> 00:23:32,969 purpose . And to exactly estimate when 517 00:23:32,969 --> 00:23:35,191 they will carry out the nuclear test is 518 00:23:35,191 --> 00:23:37,247 a difficulty for us as well . And to 519 00:23:37,247 --> 00:23:39,136 answer the question about chinese 520 00:23:39,136 --> 00:23:41,247 effect and influence on North Korea , 521 00:23:41,247 --> 00:23:40,890 if we traditionally look at the 522 00:23:40,890 --> 00:23:43,112 influence that china had in North Korea 523 00:23:43,112 --> 00:23:45,390 in the past , there's been a time when , 524 00:23:45,390 --> 00:23:47,390 despite chinese opposition to North 525 00:23:47,390 --> 00:23:49,390 Korea carrying out a nuclear test , 526 00:23:49,390 --> 00:23:51,446 North Korea is still carried out the 527 00:23:51,446 --> 00:23:53,612 test anyway . So it's difficult to say 528 00:23:53,612 --> 00:23:55,779 that China has a decisive effect in um 529 00:23:55,779 --> 00:23:57,890 North and choosing North Korea's will 530 00:23:58,480 --> 00:24:00,758 thank you . And for our final question , 531 00:24:00,758 --> 00:24:04,000 we'll go to song . I have two questions . 532 00:24:04,010 --> 00:24:06,180 One actually for both Secretary Austin 533 00:24:06,180 --> 00:24:08,210 and Minister Lee . And the other 534 00:24:08,210 --> 00:24:10,432 question is for only for Minister Lee . 535 00:24:10,690 --> 00:24:12,940 And uh , I think my question is similar 536 00:24:12,940 --> 00:24:15,630 to voters . I mean CNN and and my 537 00:24:15,640 --> 00:24:18,030 colleague , but even when South Korea , 538 00:24:18,030 --> 00:24:20,030 the United States are talking about 539 00:24:20,030 --> 00:24:22,252 extending the terms that the uh , cm at 540 00:24:22,252 --> 00:24:24,308 this point , uh , North Pole foreign 541 00:24:24,308 --> 00:24:26,474 missiles and artillery shells into the 542 00:24:26,474 --> 00:24:29,040 ocean . So , and even when the U . S . 543 00:24:29,050 --> 00:24:31,570 S Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier was in 544 00:24:31,570 --> 00:24:33,570 South Korea still no clear file and 545 00:24:33,570 --> 00:24:35,626 missiles . So the question is if the 546 00:24:35,626 --> 00:24:37,570 terms works when it comes to North 547 00:24:37,570 --> 00:24:39,540 Korea's uh conventional forms of 548 00:24:39,550 --> 00:24:41,717 provocation or low intensity attacks , 549 00:24:41,717 --> 00:24:43,828 you know , So they're still concerned 550 00:24:43,828 --> 00:24:46,050 whether or not the terms of their lines 551 00:24:46,050 --> 00:24:47,883 really working fine . So did you 552 00:24:47,883 --> 00:24:50,390 actually discuss that issue at the SCM 553 00:24:50,400 --> 00:24:52,650 um today ? And and did you come up with 554 00:24:52,660 --> 00:24:54,500 any effective measures beyond 555 00:24:54,500 --> 00:24:56,910 rhetorical exclamations ? And 556 00:25:22,430 --> 00:25:24,800 to answer your question ? Yes . Uh I 557 00:25:24,800 --> 00:25:28,490 believe our activities are effective in 558 00:25:28,490 --> 00:25:31,420 deterring . Uh you know , one of the 559 00:25:31,420 --> 00:25:33,610 things that sends a strong deterrent 560 00:25:33,620 --> 00:25:37,370 message is our ability to work together 561 00:25:37,380 --> 00:25:41,250 uh and and to be interoperable uh and 562 00:25:41,250 --> 00:25:44,000 our ability to train our troops 563 00:25:44,010 --> 00:25:47,870 uh to a high level of 564 00:25:48,210 --> 00:25:52,200 of capability and also maintain a 565 00:25:52,210 --> 00:25:56,130 combat credible force uh in the region . 566 00:25:56,140 --> 00:25:59,260 Uh and uh and most recently you've seen 567 00:25:59,260 --> 00:26:01,593 us focus on that in a major way . Again , 568 00:26:01,593 --> 00:26:03,704 I point to the major exercise that we 569 00:26:03,704 --> 00:26:06,880 have ongoing uh I you know , you 570 00:26:06,880 --> 00:26:09,102 mentioned the carrier that is a serious 571 00:26:09,102 --> 00:26:11,500 demonstration of commitment and and uh 572 00:26:11,500 --> 00:26:14,720 and combat combat capability . Again , 573 00:26:14,730 --> 00:26:17,450 uh we are focused on making sure that 574 00:26:17,590 --> 00:26:21,270 um nobody attacks uh South Korea . 575 00:26:21,280 --> 00:26:23,336 And uh we're committed to that . Our 576 00:26:23,336 --> 00:26:25,447 commitment is ironclad and we're also 577 00:26:25,447 --> 00:26:27,620 committed to deterring anyone from 578 00:26:27,620 --> 00:26:30,380 using a nuclear device . And yes , I do 579 00:26:30,380 --> 00:26:32,436 believe we've been effective in that 580 00:26:32,436 --> 00:26:34,658 and we'll continue to work to make sure 581 00:26:34,658 --> 00:26:37,570 that we're working together building 582 00:26:37,570 --> 00:26:41,270 increasing capability uh and uh in 583 00:26:41,270 --> 00:26:43,330 increasing our ability to to work 584 00:26:43,330 --> 00:26:46,350 together . So so you resent the 585 00:26:46,360 --> 00:26:50,170 criticism that artillery and um nuclear 586 00:26:50,180 --> 00:26:53,210 missile firings are a deterrence 587 00:26:53,210 --> 00:26:55,540 failure . You don't accept that 588 00:26:55,550 --> 00:26:58,760 criticism of that um 589 00:26:59,150 --> 00:27:01,550 continuing provocations can be seen as 590 00:27:01,550 --> 00:27:04,770 a failure in terms of deterrence . I 591 00:27:04,780 --> 00:27:08,410 don't you know I believe that they are 592 00:27:08,410 --> 00:27:10,521 deterred from attacking north Korea . 593 00:27:10,521 --> 00:27:12,910 South Korea . Excuse me . Uh and I also 594 00:27:12,910 --> 00:27:14,632 believe they are deterred from 595 00:27:14,632 --> 00:27:17,190 employing a nuclear device either 596 00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:20,940 against the in the peninsula or against 597 00:27:20,940 --> 00:27:23,162 our homeland here in the in the U . S . 598 00:27:23,162 --> 00:27:24,607 Yes , I do believe that . 599 00:27:31,030 --> 00:27:32,070 Uh 600 00:28:21,020 --> 00:28:23,440 So the question was regarding the 601 00:28:23,440 --> 00:28:26,340 development of a plan and how the 602 00:28:26,340 --> 00:28:28,500 endorsed S . P . D . N . S . P . G . 603 00:28:28,500 --> 00:28:30,722 From security consultative meeting last 604 00:28:30,722 --> 00:28:32,780 year . Um and and how the Oakland is 605 00:28:32,780 --> 00:28:34,891 developing on top of those agreements 606 00:28:34,891 --> 00:28:37,113 that were made . Um An SCM The question 607 00:28:37,113 --> 00:28:39,650 is about how the process was going and 608 00:28:39,650 --> 00:28:41,539 when the old plan was going to be 609 00:28:41,539 --> 00:28:43,650 completed . And um as for old plan to 610 00:28:43,650 --> 00:28:45,817 provide my answer to provide my answer 611 00:28:45,817 --> 00:28:47,928 when you're developing the old plan , 612 00:28:47,928 --> 00:28:47,630 it's not a one and done deal . It's 613 00:28:47,640 --> 00:28:49,807 something that you continue to develop 614 00:28:49,807 --> 00:28:51,584 given the take into account the 615 00:28:51,584 --> 00:28:53,810 environment of the situation . So it is 616 00:28:53,810 --> 00:28:55,921 difficult to say when it will exactly 617 00:28:55,921 --> 00:28:58,143 completed . However , what I can say is 618 00:28:58,143 --> 00:29:00,090 that we will in the process of 619 00:29:00,100 --> 00:29:01,933 developing the old plan . We are 620 00:29:01,933 --> 00:29:03,990 seeking to expedite the upgrade . 621 00:29:04,170 --> 00:29:06,226 However , asked for the specifics of 622 00:29:06,226 --> 00:29:08,170 the information that I can divulge 623 00:29:08,170 --> 00:29:09,948 there's a limitation due to our 624 00:29:09,948 --> 00:29:12,003 military confidentiality . So I will 625 00:29:12,003 --> 00:29:14,800 keep my answer to this . And one final , 626 00:29:14,810 --> 00:29:17,940 uh , note here again , in terms of our 627 00:29:17,940 --> 00:29:19,884 deterrent efforts and the types of 628 00:29:19,884 --> 00:29:21,940 things that were deterring , I would 629 00:29:21,940 --> 00:29:23,970 point out that we're committed to 630 00:29:23,980 --> 00:29:27,080 deterring , uh , that type of activity 631 00:29:27,090 --> 00:29:30,590 against any of our allies , partners in 632 00:29:30,590 --> 00:29:32,368 the , in the region . We remain 633 00:29:32,368 --> 00:29:34,600 committed to maintaining a free and 634 00:29:34,600 --> 00:29:37,200 open indo pacific region . So thank you 635 00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:39,900 very much . Secretary Minister Lee . 636 00:29:39,900 --> 00:29:41,733 Thank you gentlemen , ladies and 637 00:29:41,733 --> 00:29:41,810 gentlemen .