During his press briefing in Laos, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised women in the military, assured their value in the forces, and addressed questions about gender roles linked to the new defense secretary nominee. He also noted a diplomatic setback with China, while discussing military readiness and support for Ukraine amid ongoing regional tensions.
During a recent press conference held in Vientiane, Laos, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the vital role of women in the U.S. military. He expressed appreciation for their service, stating, “We need you. We have faith in you. We are appreciative of your service and you add value to the finest and most lethal fighting force on earth.” Austin’s statement addressed questions regarding the nomination of a new defense secretary and the implications for women in combat positions. Furthermore, he characterized the refusal of his Chinese counterpart to meet as a setback for regional relations and touched upon military readiness, attacks from Houthi forces in the Red Sea, and increasing assistance for Ukraine.
This press briefing was conducted on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) security talks, highlighting the significance of international military collaboration and strategic discussions in the region. Secretary Austin’s remarks reflect the U.S. Department of Defense’s commitment to inclusivity in military operations, especially pertaining to gender roles. As discussions also included regional security challenges, his comments underscore the broader geopolitical landscape involving U.S.-China relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In summary, Secretary Austin’s remarks delivered an important message advocating for the inclusion of women in military roles while addressing current regional security issues. His acknowledgment of the challenges posed by China’s diplomatic choices further illustrates the complexities of international relations in the realm of defense. Austin’s comments assure the commitment of the U.S. military to remain responsive and adaptable to evolving global threats, notably in the context of assistance to Ukraine and regional security with respect to Houthi aggressions.
Original Source: www.c-span.org