HomeNewsSpecial ReportsAsia-Pacific Rebalance

Defense leaders remain focused on efforts to strengthen relationships and modernize U.S. alliances in the Asia-Pacific region as a priority for 21st century security interests and sustaining U.S. global leadership.

Carter Attends Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore

Defense Secretary Ash Carter traveled to Singapore, where he attended the 15th Annual Shangri-La Dialogue and met with regional counterparts. The visit marked Carter's fifth trip to the region in just over a year to help advance one of his foremost priorities: solidifying the Asia-Pacific rebalance.

Stories

Defense Secretary Ash Carter signs a reciprocal defense agreement with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani,

Carter, Admirals Take Questions on China at Shangri-La Dialogue

Defense Secretary Ash Carter and two of his senior naval officers today responded to reporters’ questions about China during the 15th annual International Institute for Strategic Studies Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore. Story

Carter, Asia-Pacific Leaders Discuss Regional Security Issues

Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with several defense leaders from Asia-Pacific nations today in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss security challenges and opportunities. Story

More Stories


Photo Essay

Defense Secretary Ash Carter holds a trilateral meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Republic of Korea Defense Minister Han Min-koo in Singapore.

Secretary Meets With Counterparts in Singapore

More Photo Essays

Related Link

About the Secretary

Profile photo of Defense Secretary Ash Carter Ash Carter is the 25th secretary of defense. He previously served as deputy defense secretary and as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Carter has received the Defense Department's Distinguished Service Medal five times and the Defense Intelligence Medal. Biography

Pacom SealU.S. Pacific Command

Video

More Videos

More

Photo Essay

Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford and Navy Adm. Harry Harris Jr. pose for an official photo with attendees of the 2016 Chiefs of Defense Conference, in Manila, Philippines

Dunford Attends 2016 Chiefs of Defense Conference in the Philippines

More Photo Essays

More

Focus on Rebalance

  • Screen grab of a DoD reporter speaking on the Asia-Pacific rebalance.

    Asia Rebalance

  • Screen grab of U.S. troops running with their equipment.

    Carter Discusses Asia-Pacific Rebalance

  • Screen grab of ships in a bay.

    Asia-Pacific; Regional Engagement

Focus on Partnerships & Training

More Articles


Statements & News Releases

More

Speeches & Transcripts

More

About the Secretary

Profile photo of Defense Secretary Ash Carter Ash Carter is the 25th secretary of defense. He previously served as deputy defense secretary and as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Carter has received the Defense Department's Distinguished Service Medal five times and the Defense Intelligence Medal. Biography

Top Stories

U.S. Returns 10,000 Acres of Okinawan Training Area to Japan

The return of land on Okinawa's Northern Training Area will reduce the footprint of U.S. forces on the Japanese island by 20 percent, officials in Japan said. Story

Work, Australian Defense Secretary Discuss Bilateral Cooperation, Global Security

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work welcomed Australian Defense Secretary Dennis Richardson to the Pentagon, where the two leaders discussed global security issues and opportunities to further bilateral defense cooperation. Story

Crew Members Rescued After Osprey Lands in Shallow Water Off Okinawa

A Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft with five crew members aboard landed in shallow water off the coastline of Camp Schwab Marine Corps Base in Okinawa, Japan, Pentagon press operations director Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said today. Story

More Stories

Statement on CSIS Independent Review of U.S. Defense Strategy in The Asia-Pacific Region

On Jan. 20, 2016, the Defense Department transmitted to Congress the independent review of U.S. Defense Strategy in the Asia-Pacific region conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The report was commissioned as a requirement of Section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2015. The CSIS review does not represent the official position of the DoD, but it is consistent with the DoD's broad approach to supporting the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. It supports U.S. efforts to strengthen, enhance and broaden our alliances and encourages building cooperative defense relationships with regional partners. Its recommendations also parallel department efforts to update operational concepts and military capabilities to ensure that the future force remains capable of deterring and prevailing in potential conflicts.

Recent Trip

October/November 2015

Map of Carter travel locations: Alaska, South Korea, Malaysia, Hawaii.

Trip Highlights

  • Third visit to the Asia-Pacific in eight months.
  • Met with leaders from more than a dozen nations across East Asia and South Asia.
  • Helped advance the next phase of the U.S. military's rebalance in the region by modernizing longtime alliances and building new partnerships.
  • Attended the 47th annual U.S-Republic of Korea Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul.
  • Attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers Plus meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Delivered keynote address at the 3rd annual Reagan National Defense Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Map

Click on image to view larger size

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a trade agreement under negotiation by Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam. The agreement seeks to enhance trade and investment among TPP partner countries; promote innovation, economic growth and development; and support job creation and retention.
PaCom Infographic
U.S. Pacific Command protects and defends, in concert with other U.S. government agencies, the territory of the United States, its people, and its interests. With allies and partners, Pacom is committed to enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression, and, when necessary, fighting to win. This approach is based on partnership, presence, and military readiness.
Archived Stories