WEBVTT 00:01.340 --> 00:03.910 Good afternoon Excellencies , 00:05.250 --> 00:07.630 members of the Philippine and US 00:07.639 --> 00:10.119 Foreign Affairs and Defense Delegation . 00:11.079 --> 00:14.189 Members of the D FA Press Corps and 00:14.199 --> 00:17.260 media accompanying the US delegation 00:17.549 --> 00:20.850 and welcome to the fourth Philippine us 00:21.170 --> 00:23.370 two plus two ministerial dialogue , 00:23.379 --> 00:27.170 joint press conference . We will first 00:27.180 --> 00:29.402 hear from Secretary for Foreign Affairs 00:29.402 --> 00:32.369 Enrique Manalo and then Secretary of 00:32.380 --> 00:35.779 Defense Gilberto Toor Junior . After 00:35.790 --> 00:37.959 which we will request Secretary of 00:37.970 --> 00:40.529 State Anthony Blinken and then 00:40.540 --> 00:42.860 Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin the 00:42.869 --> 00:46.360 third to deliver the remarks after 00:46.369 --> 00:48.450 which we will have the Q and A 00:48.840 --> 00:51.360 Secretary , Secretary Manalo . Please . 00:54.950 --> 00:57.569 Good afternoon . Ladies and gentlemen , 00:58.020 --> 01:00.369 I wish you begin by thanking Secretary 01:00.380 --> 01:02.490 uh Theodoro for hosting the fourth 01:02.500 --> 01:05.790 Philippine us two plus two ministerial 01:05.800 --> 01:08.919 dialogue here in Camp Aino . And we're 01:08.930 --> 01:10.819 very pleased to welcome Secretary 01:10.819 --> 01:13.089 Lincoln and Secretary Austin back to 01:13.099 --> 01:15.839 Manila . The alliance of our two 01:15.849 --> 01:18.819 countries is historic shaped by our 01:18.830 --> 01:21.209 adherence to democracy , social justice 01:21.220 --> 01:23.400 and the rule of law . For over seven 01:23.410 --> 01:25.519 decades , we have demonstrated its 01:25.529 --> 01:28.069 dynamism as we jointly respond to 01:28.080 --> 01:30.069 common challenges . Our cooper 01:30.080 --> 01:32.489 operation has contributed in the 01:32.500 --> 01:34.500 preservation to the preservation of 01:34.500 --> 01:36.556 peace and security and brought about 01:36.556 --> 01:38.778 opportunities for our mutual growth and 01:38.778 --> 01:41.569 prosperity . The Philippines values the 01:41.580 --> 01:44.250 United States ironclad commitment to 01:44.260 --> 01:47.069 the alliance and remain steadfast to 01:47.080 --> 01:48.802 the positive trajectory of our 01:48.802 --> 01:51.330 bilateral relations over a range of 01:51.339 --> 01:53.459 initiatives from the launch of the 01:53.470 --> 01:56.559 Luzon Economic Corridor and the conduct 01:56.569 --> 01:59.010 of Balic Catan exercises both in April 01:59.019 --> 02:02.470 2024 . Our alliance is robust , 02:02.480 --> 02:04.870 multifaceted and serves the greater 02:04.879 --> 02:07.800 regional interests . There are just two 02:07.809 --> 02:09.420 of these are just two of the 02:09.420 --> 02:11.369 significant headways we have 02:11.380 --> 02:14.350 accomplished in the last 24 months that 02:14.360 --> 02:16.740 deliver on our alliance commitments in 02:16.750 --> 02:18.750 the broadest sense and there's more 02:18.750 --> 02:21.050 work to be done and we will continue to 02:21.059 --> 02:23.919 forge ahead our meeting today provided 02:23.929 --> 02:26.330 us an opportunity to assess progress on 02:26.339 --> 02:28.395 our bilateral Cooper operation since 02:28.395 --> 02:30.283 the last two plus two dialogue in 02:30.283 --> 02:33.240 Washington DC . We had very productive 02:33.250 --> 02:35.750 discussions in areas such as trade and 02:35.759 --> 02:38.229 economic co-operation , infrastructure 02:38.240 --> 02:40.449 and security cooper operation . The 02:40.460 --> 02:42.910 alliance is broad based and supports 02:42.919 --> 02:44.863 efforts towards the achievement of 02:44.863 --> 02:47.520 Philippine development goals . We will 02:47.529 --> 02:49.696 be issuing shortly , a joint statement 02:49.696 --> 02:51.529 that outlines the details of our 02:51.529 --> 02:55.020 discussions and commitments . Let me 02:55.029 --> 02:57.880 speak briefly on the issues concerning 02:57.889 --> 03:00.470 economic development and resilience . 03:01.300 --> 03:03.467 We reviewed what has happened over the 03:03.467 --> 03:05.809 past year and we were gratified at the 03:05.820 --> 03:07.709 depth and breadth of the economic 03:07.709 --> 03:09.929 engagement of our two countries from 03:09.940 --> 03:12.330 the first ever preferential trade and 03:12.339 --> 03:14.283 investment mission led by Commerce 03:14.283 --> 03:17.410 Secretary Gina Ramundo to the co host 03:17.429 --> 03:19.651 of the Indo Pacific Business Forum here 03:19.651 --> 03:21.589 in Manila to and to the series of 03:21.600 --> 03:23.529 dialogues dealing with aviation , 03:23.699 --> 03:26.440 science and technology , energy , space 03:26.449 --> 03:28.850 and cyber security . We have done much 03:28.860 --> 03:30.850 and accomplished much equally in 03:30.860 --> 03:33.169 charting a path towards our objectives 03:33.179 --> 03:35.479 of stable , sustainable and secure 03:35.490 --> 03:38.009 economic growth . We are committed to 03:38.020 --> 03:40.350 following through on the ongoing cooper 03:40.360 --> 03:42.729 operation with the Millennium Challenge 03:42.740 --> 03:44.960 Corporation and the Indo Pacific 03:44.970 --> 03:47.539 economic Framework and the partnership 03:47.550 --> 03:49.399 for global infrastructure and 03:49.410 --> 03:51.979 investment in this regard . We look 03:51.990 --> 03:54.240 towards identifying and implementing 03:54.250 --> 03:56.809 projects for investment in the Luzon 03:56.820 --> 04:00.029 Economic Corridor . Finally , on people 04:00.039 --> 04:02.470 to people ties , we love the work of 04:02.479 --> 04:04.740 the Philippine Fulbright Commission and 04:04.750 --> 04:06.919 the USA ID in the harnessing of 04:06.929 --> 04:08.990 educational cooper operation and 04:09.000 --> 04:11.410 development assistance . We are also 04:11.419 --> 04:13.789 excited about the ongoing work with the 04:13.800 --> 04:15.911 Millennium Challenge Corporation on a 04:15.911 --> 04:18.649 threshold program . Let me end by 04:18.660 --> 04:20.771 emphasizing that the Philippines will 04:20.771 --> 04:22.716 continue to uphold and protect the 04:22.716 --> 04:25.070 rules based international order in the 04:25.079 --> 04:27.579 midst of a regional landscape that is 04:27.589 --> 04:30.049 significantly under stress in our 04:30.059 --> 04:31.948 discussions . I have conveyed the 04:31.948 --> 04:34.003 situation in the West Philippine Sea 04:34.003 --> 04:36.003 and the South China Sea and that it 04:36.003 --> 04:38.459 remains a priority to our government in 04:38.470 --> 04:40.799 line with our treaty obligations . We 04:40.809 --> 04:42.760 discussed recent developments and 04:42.769 --> 04:45.000 committed to continue our work together 04:45.260 --> 04:47.371 in upholding Philippine sovereignty , 04:47.371 --> 04:50.529 sovereign rights and jurisdiction . I 04:50.540 --> 04:52.596 would like to thank again my partner 04:52.596 --> 04:55.049 Secretary Theodoro of the DD and D and 04:55.059 --> 04:56.670 our carton parts and friends 04:56.670 --> 04:59.200 secretaries , Lincoln and Austin for 04:59.209 --> 05:00.920 the candid constructive and 05:00.929 --> 05:03.149 comprehensive discussions we had today 05:03.399 --> 05:06.190 on this historic first ever Philippine 05:06.200 --> 05:08.790 us two plus two ministerial dialogue in 05:08.799 --> 05:10.760 Manila . I truly believe our 05:10.769 --> 05:13.239 discussions and more importantly , our 05:13.250 --> 05:15.820 firm commitment to Philippine us 05:15.829 --> 05:18.679 relations undeniably demonstrates that 05:18.690 --> 05:21.640 our alliance is ironclad . Thank you . 05:22.170 --> 05:23.892 Thank you , Secretary Manalo , 05:23.892 --> 05:26.170 Secretary to Doro . You have the floor . 05:26.170 --> 05:28.709 Good afternoon . Good afternoon . 05:28.720 --> 05:30.776 Ladies and gentlemen . It has indeed 05:30.776 --> 05:33.130 been an honor to welcome secretaries 05:33.149 --> 05:36.010 Lincoln and Austin Secretary Manalo to 05:36.019 --> 05:39.549 Campain for today's two plus two today , 05:39.559 --> 05:41.670 as we convene the fourth two plus two 05:41.670 --> 05:43.726 meeting between us , we continue the 05:43.726 --> 05:46.390 important conversation that began 05:46.399 --> 05:48.649 between our defense establishments in 05:48.660 --> 05:52.230 2002 , not only in words but backed up 05:52.239 --> 05:55.420 by concrete accomplishments . We thank 05:55.429 --> 05:57.429 the US government for the continued 05:57.429 --> 05:59.730 assistance in building up our 05:59.739 --> 06:03.049 capabilities which will provide a 06:03.059 --> 06:06.019 tremendous boost in order for us to 06:06.029 --> 06:08.160 establish a credible deterrent to 06:08.170 --> 06:11.339 unlawful foreign aggression . We 06:11.350 --> 06:14.059 discussed security assistance road map 06:14.269 --> 06:16.709 that will bolster our sustainability , 06:16.940 --> 06:20.100 interoperability , redundancy and 06:20.109 --> 06:23.040 effectiveness . We discussed ways and 06:23.049 --> 06:25.450 means of enhancing our cooper operation 06:25.820 --> 06:27.764 and to ensure that the Philippines 06:27.764 --> 06:30.760 becomes an effective upholder of 06:30.769 --> 06:34.459 international law under a free and open 06:34.470 --> 06:37.399 global rules based order . We will 06:37.410 --> 06:40.760 ensure more frequent and regular policy 06:40.769 --> 06:43.440 and operational co ordination . We will 06:43.450 --> 06:45.589 also bolster maritime cooperating 06:45.600 --> 06:48.309 activities and expand coordinations 06:48.589 --> 06:51.200 with Japan and Australia and other like 06:51.209 --> 06:53.579 minded nations , not only in these 06:53.589 --> 06:57.059 areas but in joint exercises and 06:57.070 --> 06:59.181 training as well . Where applicable . 06:59.950 --> 07:02.809 We agree we agreed to fully implement 07:03.119 --> 07:05.649 ed A projects and to increase 07:05.660 --> 07:09.079 investments in Ed A agreed locations in 07:09.089 --> 07:10.940 this period of climate change , 07:10.950 --> 07:13.690 uncertainty , this will certainly help 07:13.700 --> 07:16.850 our H AD R efforts . Once these 07:16.859 --> 07:19.720 projects are completed , we will 07:19.730 --> 07:21.790 co-operate in cyber security by 07:21.799 --> 07:24.549 advancing the capabilities of both the 07:24.559 --> 07:27.910 D and D and the AFP , not only in terms 07:27.920 --> 07:30.429 of capabilities but also in terms of 07:30.440 --> 07:32.670 cooper operation in threat detection 07:32.910 --> 07:35.440 and protection and in joint advanced 07:35.450 --> 07:37.980 technological development . We are 07:37.989 --> 07:40.019 optimistic that with robust 07:40.029 --> 07:42.989 co-operation in four dimensions , land , 07:43.000 --> 07:46.149 sea , air and cyber extensive 07:46.160 --> 07:49.630 interoperability , both bilaterally and 07:49.640 --> 07:52.269 with like minded nations . The US 07:52.279 --> 07:54.059 Philippine alliance will be a 07:54.070 --> 07:57.070 significant contributor to regional 07:57.079 --> 08:00.369 peace and stability under the regime of 08:00.380 --> 08:02.970 international law . Thank you . Thank 08:02.980 --> 08:04.869 you Secretary Eido , Secretary of 08:04.869 --> 08:07.019 Lincoln . You have the floor . Thank 08:07.029 --> 08:09.251 you very much and it's very , very good 08:09.251 --> 08:11.473 to be back in Manila . This is my third 08:11.473 --> 08:14.170 visit here uh as secretary , my 18th 08:14.179 --> 08:16.346 trip to the Indo Pacific over the last 08:16.346 --> 08:18.899 3.5 years . But let me begin by first 08:18.910 --> 08:22.570 expressing condolences to all of those 08:22.920 --> 08:26.239 killed , harmed , displaced by the 08:26.250 --> 08:29.059 recent typhoon and flooding . Um I'm 08:29.070 --> 08:31.292 able to announce today an additional $1 08:31.292 --> 08:33.292 million in assistance to help bring 08:33.292 --> 08:35.700 food emergency shelter , logistics and 08:35.710 --> 08:37.989 other aid to all of those who have been 08:37.999 --> 08:41.979 affected . I'm grateful to our 08:41.989 --> 08:44.267 colleagues , our friends , secretaries , 08:44.267 --> 08:46.739 Manolo and Teodoro , not only for 08:46.750 --> 08:49.479 hosting us but for the very good , very 08:49.489 --> 08:51.267 productive sessions that we had 08:51.267 --> 08:53.489 throughout the course . Of today . It's 08:53.489 --> 08:55.711 very good to be here with my friend and 08:55.711 --> 08:57.767 partner , Secretary Austin . We were 08:57.767 --> 08:57.679 just together in Japan for two plus two . 08:58.210 --> 09:00.369 This is a reflection of President 09:00.380 --> 09:02.436 Biden's transformative leadership in 09:02.436 --> 09:05.500 the Indo Pacific last year in 09:05.510 --> 09:07.650 Washington . President Biden and 09:07.659 --> 09:10.229 President Marcos set out an ambitious 09:10.239 --> 09:12.890 course for our partnership . And then 09:12.900 --> 09:15.380 in April , uh President Marcos was back 09:15.390 --> 09:17.919 in Washington with Prime Minister Kashi 09:17.929 --> 09:20.270 of Japan and President Biden to launch 09:20.280 --> 09:22.320 a historic trilateral partnership 09:22.330 --> 09:26.210 between our countries as a result of 09:26.219 --> 09:28.330 these visits . But also the work that 09:28.330 --> 09:30.275 we're doing every single day . Our 09:30.275 --> 09:32.441 relationship between the United States 09:32.441 --> 09:34.497 and the Philippines is the strongest 09:34.497 --> 09:36.719 that it's ever been . And today's talks 09:36.719 --> 09:39.000 built on that unprecedented momentum in 09:39.010 --> 09:41.200 a number of very concrete ways . Our 09:41.210 --> 09:44.309 armed forces are working on more shared 09:44.320 --> 09:46.929 priorities in more places than ever 09:46.940 --> 09:49.429 before . We're now allocating an 09:49.440 --> 09:51.419 additional $500 million in foreign 09:51.429 --> 09:53.540 military financing to the Philippines 09:53.540 --> 09:56.150 to boost security collaboration with 09:56.159 --> 09:59.150 our oldest treaty ally in this region . 09:59.979 --> 10:02.312 Uh new steps to strengthen the alliance . 10:02.312 --> 10:04.423 So once in a generation of investment 10:04.423 --> 10:06.479 to help modernize the Filipino Armed 10:06.479 --> 10:08.423 Forces and Coast Guard , our first 10:08.423 --> 10:10.590 bilateral security sector assistance , 10:10.590 --> 10:12.757 road map , doubling our investments in 10:12.757 --> 10:14.868 the enhanced defense cooper operation 10:14.868 --> 10:18.770 agreement . Both of us share concerns 10:18.780 --> 10:20.724 uh and many other countries in the 10:20.724 --> 10:22.900 region share concerns as well about 10:22.909 --> 10:25.020 some of the actions that the People's 10:25.020 --> 10:27.187 Republic of China has taken escalatory 10:27.187 --> 10:29.242 actions in the South China Sea , the 10:29.242 --> 10:31.465 East China Sea and elsewhere . And this 10:31.465 --> 10:33.576 is something that we heard much about 10:33.576 --> 10:35.798 from our colleagues at the recent ASEAN 10:35.798 --> 10:37.576 meetings , defiance of the 2016 10:37.576 --> 10:39.799 arbitral tribunal decision , uh 10:39.820 --> 10:43.190 coercive methods being used in uh in 10:43.200 --> 10:46.409 the seas . We welcome the provisional 10:46.419 --> 10:48.809 agreement . Uh understanding reached 10:48.820 --> 10:51.159 between the PR C and the Philippines on 10:51.169 --> 10:53.225 the rotation and resupply the second 10:53.225 --> 10:55.280 Thomas scroll and we were pleased to 10:55.280 --> 10:57.280 see that the first resupply mission 10:57.280 --> 10:59.391 subsequent to that understanding went 10:59.391 --> 11:01.447 forward without incident . It's very 11:01.447 --> 11:03.558 important that that be the standard , 11:03.558 --> 11:05.809 not the exception . And as I said to 11:05.820 --> 11:07.987 the Chinese Foreign Minister , when we 11:07.987 --> 11:10.209 met in Laos a few days ago , China must 11:10.209 --> 11:12.376 uphold its commitments to not obstruct 11:12.559 --> 11:14.615 uh the Philippines in their resupply 11:14.615 --> 11:17.210 missions . We stand by our Ironclad 11:17.219 --> 11:19.330 defense commitment to the Philippines 11:19.330 --> 11:21.386 under the mutual defense treaty that 11:21.386 --> 11:23.441 extends to armed attacks on Filipino 11:23.441 --> 11:25.275 armed forces , public vessels or 11:25.275 --> 11:27.219 aircraft including the Coast Guard 11:27.219 --> 11:29.441 anywhere in the Pacific , including the 11:29.441 --> 11:32.570 South China Sea . As you heard from 11:32.580 --> 11:35.359 Secretary Manalo , we're equally 11:35.369 --> 11:37.480 focused on our economic partnership , 11:37.480 --> 11:40.010 our economic relationship . This is 11:40.020 --> 11:42.469 really comprehensive security , not 11:42.479 --> 11:44.812 just our military and physical security , 11:44.812 --> 11:46.979 but also our economic security and our 11:46.979 --> 11:50.109 joint resilience . We have partnering 11:50.119 --> 11:52.008 uh and partnership on critical uh 11:52.008 --> 11:54.489 industries . Uh The Philippines is a 11:54.500 --> 11:56.469 priority partner on semiconductor 11:56.479 --> 12:00.219 manufacturing . 20% of global assembly 12:00.309 --> 12:02.799 testing and packaging takes place here 12:02.809 --> 12:04.770 in the Philippines . Thanks to the 12:04.780 --> 12:06.780 Chips Act . Uh We're finalizing 12:06.789 --> 12:09.080 collaboration to support the 12:09.090 --> 12:12.049 strengthening of Filipino capacity . 12:12.059 --> 12:14.226 We're focused on workforce development 12:14.226 --> 12:17.119 as well as on regulatory reform . We're 12:17.130 --> 12:19.320 also investing in high quality high 12:19.330 --> 12:21.690 impact infrastructure via the Luzon 12:21.700 --> 12:24.210 Economic Corridor , connecting key 12:24.219 --> 12:27.650 economic hubs Subic Bay , Clark Manila 12:28.489 --> 12:30.460 Batanga and doing this through 12:30.469 --> 12:32.260 investments in rail in port 12:32.270 --> 12:34.909 modernization in clean energy in 12:34.919 --> 12:36.820 semiconductor supply chains in 12:36.830 --> 12:40.200 agribusiness . As we lower logistics 12:40.210 --> 12:42.640 costs as we strengthen supply chains 12:42.650 --> 12:44.859 for critical industries that will 12:44.869 --> 12:47.091 continue to drive investment and growth 12:47.091 --> 12:49.239 and will be a benefit to all of us . 12:50.020 --> 12:52.150 And this is support , supported by 12:52.159 --> 12:54.409 coordinate action including coordinate 12:54.419 --> 12:56.475 action between the United States and 12:56.475 --> 12:58.419 Japan . Uh All of this part of the 12:58.419 --> 13:01.400 historic trilateral co-operation that 13:01.700 --> 13:03.867 our president's inaugurated just a few 13:03.867 --> 13:06.033 months ago . Finally , we're advancing 13:06.033 --> 13:08.089 energy security and the clean energy 13:08.089 --> 13:10.929 transition . This month , our bilateral 13:10.940 --> 13:13.299 uh civil nuclear Cooper Agreement 13:13.409 --> 13:15.576 entered into force and we talked today 13:15.700 --> 13:17.979 about next steps including helping to 13:17.989 --> 13:20.219 develop a safe , secure and modern 13:20.229 --> 13:24.229 civil nuclear sector . We are living in 13:24.239 --> 13:27.190 an incredibly complex moment and as a 13:27.200 --> 13:29.256 result , the partnership between our 13:29.256 --> 13:31.367 countries is more important than ever 13:31.760 --> 13:34.340 and our commitment to growing it now 13:34.520 --> 13:36.820 and for the years ahead is resolute . 13:37.450 --> 13:39.929 Thank you . Thank you , Secretary 13:39.969 --> 13:41.969 Lincoln Secretary Austin , please . 13:42.429 --> 13:45.950 Thank you , Secretary Teodoro Secretary 13:46.150 --> 13:48.700 Manalo . Uh It's great to be back in 13:48.710 --> 13:50.488 Manila for another two plus two 13:50.488 --> 13:52.859 ministerial dialogue . Many thanks to 13:52.869 --> 13:54.520 you both for your tremendous 13:54.530 --> 13:58.049 hospitality . Before I 13:58.059 --> 14:00.530 begin , like Secretary Lincoln I am 14:00.539 --> 14:02.317 thinking about everyone who was 14:02.317 --> 14:04.372 affected by the typhoon and flooding 14:04.372 --> 14:07.429 here several days ago . Please know 14:07.440 --> 14:09.469 that the United States will always 14:09.479 --> 14:12.820 stand with you . President Biden says 14:13.669 --> 14:15.400 our countries share a strong 14:15.409 --> 14:18.200 partnership and also a strong 14:18.210 --> 14:21.099 friendship enriched by millions of 14:21.109 --> 14:24.500 Filipino Americans living all across 14:24.510 --> 14:27.400 the United States . So we're here to 14:27.409 --> 14:29.687 build on that extraordinary foundation . 14:30.659 --> 14:32.659 We're working to advance our shared 14:32.659 --> 14:35.559 vision of a free and open Indo Pacific 14:36.719 --> 14:39.500 and together we're taking bold steps to 14:39.510 --> 14:43.059 strengthen our alliance . Today . As 14:43.070 --> 14:45.070 you heard , Secretary Blinken and I 14:45.070 --> 14:47.292 announced that we are poised to deliver 14:47.292 --> 14:49.640 a once in a generation investment to 14:49.650 --> 14:51.880 help modernize the armed forces of the 14:51.890 --> 14:54.349 Philippines and the Philippine Coast 14:54.359 --> 14:56.739 Guard . We're working with the US 14:56.750 --> 15:00.380 Congress to allocate $500 million in 15:00.390 --> 15:02.659 foreign military financing into the 15:02.669 --> 15:06.619 Philippines . This level of funding 15:06.630 --> 15:09.580 is unprecedented and it sends a clear 15:09.590 --> 15:11.757 message of support for the Philippines 15:11.757 --> 15:14.109 from the Biden Harris administration , 15:14.630 --> 15:17.479 the US Congress and the American people . 15:19.150 --> 15:21.239 Today , we also concluded the first 15:21.250 --> 15:22.972 ever bilateral security sector 15:22.972 --> 15:26.080 assistance roadmap . Now that road map 15:26.090 --> 15:28.390 will ensure that our mutual investments 15:28.909 --> 15:30.809 go toward the most important 15:30.820 --> 15:34.400 capabilities . We also reaffirmed 15:34.789 --> 15:37.039 the Department of Defense that the 15:37.049 --> 15:39.679 Department of Defense intends to more 15:39.690 --> 15:41.500 than double our investments and 15:41.510 --> 15:44.390 enhanced defense cooper agreement 15:44.400 --> 15:46.344 locations across the Philippines . 15:47.659 --> 15:49.770 President Biden's budget request this 15:49.770 --> 15:53.359 year includes more than $128 million to 15:53.369 --> 15:56.869 fund important infrastructure projects 15:57.969 --> 16:00.080 and us government investment in these 16:00.080 --> 16:02.369 locations extends beyond the Department 16:02.380 --> 16:06.080 of Defense . For example , USA USA ID 16:06.090 --> 16:08.146 plans to preposition disaster relief 16:08.146 --> 16:11.169 supplies at an EDC location later this 16:11.179 --> 16:14.669 year that will allow the Department to 16:14.679 --> 16:18.070 work alongside our Philippine allies to 16:18.080 --> 16:20.429 rapidly provide humanitarian assistance 16:20.440 --> 16:24.309 in times of need . Now , during our 16:24.320 --> 16:26.909 meeting , we also reaffirm that the 16:26.919 --> 16:28.808 mutual defense treaty remains the 16:28.808 --> 16:31.440 bedrock of our alliance . And let me be 16:31.450 --> 16:35.119 clear the mutual defense treaty applies 16:35.130 --> 16:38.109 to armed attacks on either of our armed 16:38.119 --> 16:41.640 forces , aircraft or public vessels 16:41.650 --> 16:43.549 anywhere in the South China Sea . 16:45.159 --> 16:47.326 Together , we also discuss how to make 16:47.326 --> 16:49.437 our alliance even more secure through 16:49.437 --> 16:52.059 technology and security and cyber 16:52.070 --> 16:55.440 cooper operation . We reiterated our 16:55.450 --> 16:57.929 shared intent to conclude a general 16:57.940 --> 17:00.450 security of military information 17:00.460 --> 17:02.404 agreement by the end of the year . 17:03.330 --> 17:05.274 That's crucial to our shared cyber 17:05.274 --> 17:08.029 security goals . And finally , we 17:08.038 --> 17:10.149 underscored the importance of working 17:10.149 --> 17:12.619 even more closely with like minded 17:12.629 --> 17:14.968 allies and partners including Australia 17:14.979 --> 17:18.468 and Japan . This is part of what I've 17:18.479 --> 17:21.609 described as the new convergence in the 17:21.619 --> 17:24.750 Indo Pacific . And we can see that new 17:24.760 --> 17:27.829 convergence right here , the United 17:27.839 --> 17:30.530 States , the Philippines and our other 17:30.540 --> 17:32.429 allies and partners are operating 17:32.429 --> 17:36.199 together more closely and capably than 17:36.209 --> 17:38.910 ever . And we're working together to 17:38.920 --> 17:42.750 ensure a free and open region . So it's 17:42.760 --> 17:44.927 been a great day for our alliance here 17:44.927 --> 17:48.709 in Manila , Jibo , Ricky , Tony , 17:49.380 --> 17:51.158 thanks for your vision and your 17:51.158 --> 17:53.449 leadership and I am confident that our 17:53.459 --> 17:56.260 two proud democracies will continue to 17:56.270 --> 17:58.880 deepen our alliance . So with that , we 17:58.890 --> 18:01.057 look forward to your questions . Thank 18:01.057 --> 18:03.001 you , Secretary Austin . Thank you 18:03.001 --> 18:05.270 secretaries . We will now proceed to 18:05.280 --> 18:07.869 the question and answer portion . We 18:07.880 --> 18:10.089 will entertain four questions . One 18:10.099 --> 18:13.030 each directed to each secretary , may I 18:13.040 --> 18:16.949 call Liz Frieden of Fox News for her 18:16.959 --> 18:20.260 question directed to Secretary Austin 18:21.699 --> 18:24.819 this . Yes . Thank you . Uh Secretary 18:24.829 --> 18:26.996 Austin having just spoken with Israeli 18:26.996 --> 18:29.162 Defense Minister Galant yesterday . Do 18:29.162 --> 18:31.162 you believe an Israeli operation in 18:31.162 --> 18:33.218 Lebanon is imminent ? And can Israel 18:33.218 --> 18:35.440 fight both Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah 18:35.440 --> 18:37.689 at the same time and win ? Uh for 18:37.699 --> 18:39.859 Secretary Blinken . Uh the US is 18:39.869 --> 18:41.925 investing an unprecedented amount of 18:41.925 --> 18:44.202 money and resources to the Philippines . 18:44.202 --> 18:46.209 Why now and why is the Philippines 18:46.219 --> 18:48.219 relevant to a potential invasion of 18:48.219 --> 18:51.199 Taiwan ? Uh for Secretary Manolo 18:51.209 --> 18:53.209 following your meeting with China's 18:53.209 --> 18:55.265 Foreign Minister Wang . Uh He warned 18:55.265 --> 18:57.209 that us intermediate range missile 18:57.209 --> 18:59.209 deployment could start an arms race 18:59.209 --> 19:01.320 with China . Do you think that you're 19:01.320 --> 19:03.376 starting an arms race ? That's three 19:03.376 --> 19:05.265 questions . It supposed to be one 19:05.265 --> 19:07.598 question for Secretary Secretary Austin , 19:07.598 --> 19:09.542 I will provide the others of their 19:09.542 --> 19:12.130 question . So please uh we will leave 19:12.140 --> 19:13.973 it to that and we will see which 19:13.973 --> 19:16.307 questions will be answered . Yeah . Yes , 19:16.307 --> 19:19.170 Secretary Austin , please Liz . Thanks 19:19.180 --> 19:21.400 for your question . I believe that uh 19:21.410 --> 19:24.989 you asked whether or not um a fight 19:25.000 --> 19:28.609 was uh with uh between Israel and 19:28.619 --> 19:31.420 Lebanon or is Israel and Lebanon 19:31.489 --> 19:35.359 Hezbollah is inevitable or 19:35.369 --> 19:38.369 eminent ? Excuse me , I don't believe 19:38.380 --> 19:41.339 that , uh , while we've seen a lot of 19:41.349 --> 19:43.550 activity on , on Israel's northern 19:43.560 --> 19:46.410 border , we remain concerned about the 19:46.420 --> 19:48.420 potential of this escalating into a 19:48.430 --> 19:51.979 full blown fight . And I don't believe 19:51.989 --> 19:54.430 that a fight is inevitable . I think 19:54.439 --> 19:56.661 that , uh , you know , we'd like to see 19:56.661 --> 19:59.010 things resolved in a diplomatic fashion 19:59.630 --> 20:03.109 as to whether or not , uh , Israel can 20:03.119 --> 20:06.920 manage a war in Gaza and a 20:06.930 --> 20:09.349 fight in Lebanon . At the same time , 20:09.810 --> 20:12.229 Israel will do what it needs to defend 20:12.239 --> 20:14.406 itself . And it's demonstrated that uh 20:14.406 --> 20:16.295 you know , time and again , we've 20:16.295 --> 20:19.000 committed to helping Israel defend 20:19.010 --> 20:21.510 itself or whatever it takes . And 20:21.520 --> 20:23.869 certainly that's not a scenario that 20:23.880 --> 20:25.991 we'd like to see occur . We'd like to 20:25.991 --> 20:28.510 see things resolved in a diplomatic 20:28.520 --> 20:32.270 fashion going forward . And uh 20:32.280 --> 20:34.169 Liz with regard to the uh foreign 20:34.169 --> 20:36.280 military financing . Uh as you know , 20:36.280 --> 20:38.447 the Philippines has actually long been 20:38.447 --> 20:40.280 one of the largest recipients of 20:40.280 --> 20:42.447 foreign military financing in the Indo 20:42.447 --> 20:45.369 Pacific . But the uh very significant 20:46.209 --> 20:48.431 additional investment that we're making 20:48.431 --> 20:50.598 in FMF the $500 million this is really 20:50.598 --> 20:52.709 designed to support the modernization 20:52.709 --> 20:55.030 of Filipino forces , um Coast Guard as 20:55.040 --> 20:58.180 they transition to focus on external 20:58.189 --> 21:01.250 defense . Um We're building on a lot of 21:01.260 --> 21:03.427 progress . The Philippines has already 21:03.427 --> 21:05.593 made to be better positioned to defend 21:05.593 --> 21:07.704 their sovereignty . That is what this 21:07.704 --> 21:10.359 is about . Uh and more generally with 21:10.369 --> 21:13.000 uh regard to Taiwan , both of us and 21:13.010 --> 21:15.260 for that matter , uh virtually every 21:15.270 --> 21:17.270 country in the region and countries 21:17.270 --> 21:19.492 around the world are determined that uh 21:19.492 --> 21:22.319 we see the status quo maintained that 21:22.329 --> 21:24.218 we preserve peace and stability . 21:24.218 --> 21:26.218 That's where our focus is . I think 21:26.218 --> 21:28.385 there's a recognition around the world 21:28.449 --> 21:30.393 that were there to be some kind of 21:30.393 --> 21:32.338 crisis on Taiwan . It would affect 21:32.338 --> 21:34.616 everyone . It would have global impact . 21:34.616 --> 21:36.616 We have 50% of container traffic uh 21:36.616 --> 21:38.782 going through the Taiwan straits every 21:38.782 --> 21:40.949 single day , 70% of the semiconductors 21:40.949 --> 21:43.060 manufactured on Taiwan . So there's a 21:43.060 --> 21:45.227 recognition around the world that were 21:45.227 --> 21:47.338 there to be a crisis there , everyone 21:47.338 --> 21:47.310 would be affected , which is exactly 21:47.319 --> 21:50.829 why all of us are focused on trying to 21:50.839 --> 21:52.950 make sure that peace and stability uh 21:52.950 --> 21:55.569 is preserved , that the status quo is 21:55.579 --> 21:57.690 maintained . And finally , I just say 21:57.859 --> 21:59.803 the alliance that we have with the 21:59.803 --> 22:01.637 Philippines , this long standing 22:01.637 --> 22:03.859 alliance , there's a critical word that 22:03.859 --> 22:05.692 applies to it . It's a defensive 22:05.692 --> 22:07.692 alliance . We are about making sure 22:07.692 --> 22:10.280 that all of us can protect and uphold 22:10.329 --> 22:12.385 uh our sovereignty , our territorial 22:12.390 --> 22:14.560 integrity , freedom of navigation , 22:14.569 --> 22:16.791 freedom of commerce , which is so vital 22:16.791 --> 22:20.569 to everyone in this region . Thank 22:20.579 --> 22:22.949 you . Um I wasn't able to hear the last 22:22.959 --> 22:25.070 part of your question but I get I get 22:25.070 --> 22:28.449 the gist uh regarding the uh disposing 22:28.459 --> 22:30.660 uh reference of uh Foreign Minister 22:30.670 --> 22:32.670 Wang Yi to the missiles . All I can 22:32.670 --> 22:34.892 really say is at first , these missiles 22:34.892 --> 22:36.670 are meant for our own defensive 22:36.670 --> 22:38.559 capabilities , our own ability to 22:38.559 --> 22:41.260 improve our , our uh our defensive uh 22:41.270 --> 22:43.660 deterrents and they're not meant for 22:43.670 --> 22:46.140 any offensive purposes . So I really 22:46.150 --> 22:48.300 can't see on that basis how it would 22:48.310 --> 22:52.209 lead to an arms race . Thank 22:52.219 --> 22:55.290 you , secretaries . The next question 22:55.300 --> 22:58.359 should be raised by Simon Lewis of 22:58.369 --> 23:00.630 Reuters . Simon , you have the floor . 23:01.989 --> 23:04.322 Uh Thank you . Um If you don't mind , I , 23:04.322 --> 23:06.267 I would , I would like to put some 23:06.267 --> 23:08.489 questions to , to some of the different 23:08.489 --> 23:10.711 officials rather than uh just Secretary 23:10.711 --> 23:12.933 Blinken . Um Secretary Austin . Uh just 23:12.933 --> 23:15.100 to follow up a little bit on the , the 23:15.100 --> 23:17.045 question about Lebanon . Um The US 23:17.045 --> 23:18.822 defended Israel when Iran fired 23:18.822 --> 23:20.878 missiles at it in April . Um Are you 23:20.878 --> 23:23.229 prepared to similarly similarly defend 23:23.239 --> 23:25.670 Israel if a full scale war breaks out 23:25.680 --> 23:27.902 uh with , with Hezbollah in the North ? 23:27.902 --> 23:31.819 Um to Secretary uh Teodoro , excuse me . 23:31.829 --> 23:34.270 Um your country and China appear to 23:34.280 --> 23:36.510 have different interpretations of the 23:36.810 --> 23:38.829 uh second Thomas shoal resupply 23:38.839 --> 23:41.349 agreement . Uh You say that no prior 23:41.359 --> 23:43.500 notification or inspections are 23:43.510 --> 23:45.569 required for the resupply ? Can you 23:45.579 --> 23:47.579 share details of what the agreement 23:47.579 --> 23:49.670 says ? Uh And do you intend to press 23:49.680 --> 23:51.736 ahead with resupply missions on that 23:51.736 --> 23:53.736 basis , even if China doesn't agree 23:53.736 --> 23:57.160 with your interpretation ? Thanks , 23:57.170 --> 23:59.239 Simon . You , you mentioned uh the 23:59.250 --> 24:02.719 actions that we took along with other 24:02.729 --> 24:05.589 allies in the region to help defend 24:05.599 --> 24:09.520 Israel in , in April . And I have to 24:09.530 --> 24:11.640 take this opportunity to applaud the 24:11.810 --> 24:15.150 tremendous work that we saw from our 24:15.160 --> 24:18.739 troops and also our allies 24:18.839 --> 24:20.783 that came together in a very short 24:20.783 --> 24:23.250 period of time and did absolutely 24:23.260 --> 24:25.538 magnificent work in my , in my opinion . 24:25.920 --> 24:29.500 Um So your question is if Israel is 24:29.510 --> 24:32.280 attacked , will we help to defend 24:32.290 --> 24:35.479 Israel if Israel is attacked ? Yes , we 24:35.489 --> 24:37.433 will , we will help to help Israel 24:37.433 --> 24:39.660 defend itself . We've been clear about 24:39.670 --> 24:41.640 that from the very beginning , but 24:41.650 --> 24:43.599 again , we don't want to see that 24:43.609 --> 24:46.050 happen . What we want to see happen is 24:46.069 --> 24:48.291 things resolved in a diplomatic fashion 24:50.579 --> 24:54.459 secretary to Dora on the gist of the 24:54.630 --> 24:57.500 uh uh talks made with China . I will 24:57.510 --> 24:59.689 defer to the Secretary of Foreign 24:59.699 --> 25:02.489 Affairs . However , suffice it to state 25:02.920 --> 25:05.800 that we will conduct regular and 25:05.810 --> 25:09.329 routine resupply missions in accordance 25:09.339 --> 25:11.395 with our duties under the Philippine 25:11.395 --> 25:14.989 Constitution and our responsibilities 25:15.000 --> 25:18.930 to our country ? Thank 25:18.939 --> 25:21.489 you . Thank you . Uh Secretary Theodoro . 25:21.670 --> 25:24.349 Uh Yes , we will of course continue our 25:24.359 --> 25:26.819 supply resupply emissions on the issue 25:26.829 --> 25:29.229 of notification . I think uh the more 25:29.239 --> 25:30.959 accurate term is exchange of 25:30.969 --> 25:33.209 information , which is exactly what we 25:33.219 --> 25:36.729 did with China and uh both of us . 25:36.890 --> 25:39.920 And uh the fact that the uh supplier 25:39.930 --> 25:41.763 was a relative success , I think 25:41.763 --> 25:45.250 indicates that uh uh it's something 25:45.260 --> 25:48.380 that uh we are committed to pursue uh 25:48.390 --> 25:51.290 in succeeding uh supply uh visions 25:51.300 --> 25:53.189 provided . Of course , China also 25:53.189 --> 25:56.609 adheres to the understanding . Thank 25:56.619 --> 25:59.160 you , secretaries . Can we now call on 25:59.170 --> 26:01.392 Nestor Corrales of the Philippine Daily 26:01.392 --> 26:03.003 Inquirer for his questions . 26:04.849 --> 26:07.270 This question is for Secretary Koro 26:07.579 --> 26:10.619 Secretary , how will the 500 million in 26:10.630 --> 26:13.280 military funding including the 128 26:13.290 --> 26:15.670 million for investments from the US 26:15.680 --> 26:17.736 help address Beijing's aggression in 26:17.736 --> 26:19.902 the South China Sea . And what will be 26:19.902 --> 26:21.902 the priorities under this funding ? 26:21.979 --> 26:24.229 Well , the priorities will be stressed 26:24.239 --> 26:26.350 out will be laid down in the security 26:26.350 --> 26:29.209 sector assistance road map . Naturally , 26:29.219 --> 26:32.780 a lot of our inherent uh hardening 26:32.790 --> 26:35.099 capabilities are included like cyber 26:35.109 --> 26:38.770 capabilities and the like these and all 26:38.780 --> 26:41.839 the Edgar investments will 26:41.849 --> 26:45.390 serve to secure the Philippines 26:45.400 --> 26:49.270 credible deterrent posture . Every peso 26:49.280 --> 26:51.709 or dollars spent on hardening 26:51.719 --> 26:53.910 Philippine capabilities to defend 26:53.920 --> 26:57.050 itself and to deter unlawful aggression 26:57.420 --> 27:00.020 will be a plus against any threat . A 27:00.540 --> 27:03.829 whether it be China or anyone . So the 27:03.859 --> 27:07.819 C A uh investments are not only solely 27:07.829 --> 27:11.550 for defense purposes but are also for 27:11.560 --> 27:13.319 civil defense purposes like 27:13.329 --> 27:15.420 humanitarian assistance and disaster 27:15.430 --> 27:18.530 response . They can be venues for joint 27:18.540 --> 27:20.689 cooper operation and interoperability 27:20.699 --> 27:22.959 between the United States and the 27:22.969 --> 27:25.869 Philippines and multilaterally with 27:25.880 --> 27:29.250 like minded nations . And likewise , 27:29.260 --> 27:31.589 they will serve also as venues for 27:31.599 --> 27:34.000 economic development like Secretary 27:34.010 --> 27:37.180 Austin had said with the USA ID . So 27:37.189 --> 27:39.459 these are not mono dimensional but 27:39.469 --> 27:42.709 multi dimensional investments that will 27:42.719 --> 27:45.270 uh help the development of the country 27:45.430 --> 27:48.689 and help to deter unwanted and unlawful 27:48.699 --> 27:51.180 aggression by building a credible 27:51.189 --> 27:53.599 deterrent posture . Thank you , 27:53.609 --> 27:56.280 Secretary Choro . Uh last question 27:56.290 --> 27:59.819 Joyce Rokura from PN a good afternoon . 27:59.829 --> 28:01.940 Uh The rest of the ministers may also 28:01.940 --> 28:03.996 wish to answer uh what assurance has 28:03.996 --> 28:06.280 the US given to the Philippines and uh 28:06.290 --> 28:08.457 the rest of Asia , including Japan and 28:08.457 --> 28:10.512 South Korea that its strong security 28:10.512 --> 28:12.550 support would continue in case of a 28:12.560 --> 28:15.540 leadership change in um the US after 28:15.550 --> 28:17.328 the November elections . And in 28:17.328 --> 28:19.069 relation that you saw was also 28:19.079 --> 28:21.079 mentioned , can you expound more on 28:21.079 --> 28:23.540 that didn't play your home ? 28:25.079 --> 28:28.719 Um It's addressed to you're addressing 28:28.729 --> 28:32.250 it to all , to all . 28:32.709 --> 28:34.931 Well , I can just uh I'm happy to start 28:34.931 --> 28:36.820 simply by saying that of course , 28:36.820 --> 28:38.987 elections are a regular feature of our 28:38.987 --> 28:41.042 democracy . Uh What's also a regular 28:41.042 --> 28:43.369 feature is a strong long standing 28:43.380 --> 28:45.619 alliance between our countries and that 28:45.630 --> 28:47.408 doesn't change from election to 28:47.408 --> 28:49.530 election . We have a mutual defense 28:49.540 --> 28:51.373 treaty that the United States is 28:51.373 --> 28:53.373 committed to . That commitment will 28:53.373 --> 28:55.880 endure again , irrespective of 28:55.890 --> 28:58.579 administrations . And this has been uh 28:58.589 --> 29:01.260 a long and powerful story in our 29:01.270 --> 29:03.310 history . It will continue . 29:06.790 --> 29:09.410 I , I'll just uh I'll just tag on to 29:09.420 --> 29:11.819 that and say that , you know , we , we 29:11.829 --> 29:14.051 see and have seen and we'll continue to 29:14.051 --> 29:17.819 see uh bipartisan support uh for uh 29:17.829 --> 29:20.869 the Philippines uh in our country . And 29:20.880 --> 29:22.880 any time that you see that level of 29:22.880 --> 29:25.930 bipartisan support uh in our government , 29:26.060 --> 29:28.020 you can bet that uh support will 29:28.030 --> 29:31.150 continue uh in uh in , in , in good 29:31.160 --> 29:34.390 fashion . Um You know , I've said a 29:34.400 --> 29:36.456 number of times that we're more than 29:36.456 --> 29:40.280 allies , we're family . And uh uh 29:40.290 --> 29:42.900 I would also say that I cannot imagine 29:42.910 --> 29:46.040 a day when United States of America and 29:46.050 --> 29:49.040 the Philippines are not the best of 29:49.050 --> 29:50.994 friends , the best and the best of 29:50.994 --> 29:54.319 allies . So I think , uh again , we , 29:54.329 --> 29:56.739 we continue to enjoy bipartisan support 29:56.750 --> 29:58.694 and that's gonna go uh uh happen , 29:58.694 --> 30:02.229 going forward in the future . Well , I 30:02.239 --> 30:04.560 think , I think I can only add to that 30:04.569 --> 30:07.469 and just say that uh the Philippine Us 30:07.479 --> 30:11.189 alliance and friendship has withstood 30:11.199 --> 30:13.989 the test of time . We've officially 30:14.219 --> 30:17.170 been uh partners for seven decades . 30:17.180 --> 30:19.291 But it even goes beyond that . And in 30:19.291 --> 30:21.550 all those years , our relationship is 30:21.560 --> 30:24.439 held firmly and in fact , has only 30:24.449 --> 30:27.790 grown more productive . And uh in fact , 30:27.800 --> 30:30.114 now , we could even say our relation is 30:30.125 --> 30:32.236 at a high point . But let me say that 30:32.236 --> 30:34.292 the fundamental factors , accounting 30:34.292 --> 30:36.458 for all of that is not only our shared 30:36.458 --> 30:38.514 adherence to democratic values , the 30:38.514 --> 30:40.569 social justice , but also the strong 30:40.569 --> 30:42.681 people to people relationship , which 30:42.681 --> 30:44.625 has really been the bedrock of our 30:44.625 --> 30:46.750 relationship . And uh I can say that 30:46.760 --> 30:48.816 aside from having shared interests , 30:48.816 --> 30:51.680 strategic uh a shared strategic outlook , 30:51.819 --> 30:53.986 I think all those factors will combine 30:53.986 --> 30:55.763 to ensure that our relationship 30:55.763 --> 30:58.329 continues beyond perhaps seven decades . 30:58.339 --> 31:00.949 And even more . So I think uh that is 31:00.959 --> 31:03.119 the best way to describe the state of 31:03.130 --> 31:06.689 our relationship . I 31:06.699 --> 31:09.359 believe our relationship is based on 31:09.369 --> 31:11.760 two fundamental things . First , is 31:11.770 --> 31:14.920 sustainability . Our engagements have 31:14.930 --> 31:16.708 always been on the principle of 31:16.708 --> 31:19.930 sustainability and not one of one time 31:19.939 --> 31:23.010 things . Secondly , we share 31:23.520 --> 31:26.520 principles and fundamental principles 31:26.530 --> 31:29.020 of adherence to international law and a 31:29.030 --> 31:32.089 rules based international order in both 31:32.099 --> 31:34.099 countries . And not only the United 31:34.099 --> 31:36.880 States , but like minded partners 31:36.890 --> 31:40.479 realize that building up the Philippine 31:40.489 --> 31:43.739 credible deterrent posture is vital to 31:43.750 --> 31:47.069 ensuring the rule of international law 31:47.079 --> 31:49.449 in the Indo Pacific , particularly in 31:49.459 --> 31:53.290 our region . No partisan political 31:53.300 --> 31:56.329 position can denigrate from these 31:56.339 --> 31:59.699 fundamental principles because these 31:59.709 --> 32:03.540 are good , good things , right , 32:03.550 --> 32:06.150 things that should be encouraged and 32:06.160 --> 32:09.489 developed . So I do not see any 32:09.500 --> 32:13.489 partisan political uh detraction 32:13.640 --> 32:15.959 from our positions because they are 32:15.969 --> 32:18.660 based on principle . Secondly , in 32:18.670 --> 32:21.579 terms of the JIA question earlier , it 32:21.589 --> 32:24.630 is an attempt and an exercise , a 32:24.640 --> 32:27.609 continuing exercise to develop our 32:27.619 --> 32:30.109 operational security , which is a 32:30.119 --> 32:33.130 required stepping stone for our 32:33.140 --> 32:36.680 development of an armed force and a 32:36.689 --> 32:39.959 defense establishment with increasing 32:39.969 --> 32:43.060 sophistication to deal with 32:43.069 --> 32:45.915 vulnerabilities and with predict 32:45.964 --> 32:48.375 abilities in the future defense 32:48.385 --> 32:50.564 situation and picture . Thank you . 32:50.785 --> 32:52.674 Thank you very much . Thank you , 32:52.674 --> 32:54.507 secretaries for this joint press 32:54.507 --> 32:57.275 conference . Thank you D FA Press Corps 32:57.285 --> 33:00.104 and the members of the media joining 33:00.114 --> 33:02.655 the US delegation . Can we request the 33:02.665 --> 33:05.574 secretaries for one photo opportunity 33:06.614 --> 33:09.055 in front for one photo opportunity for 33:09.064 --> 33:11.869 the press . And then we will conclude 33:11.880 --> 33:13.510 this press conference .