U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Yonhap News. 

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will embark on a trip to the Indo-Pacific region early this week, visiting Hawaii, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea, the Department of Defense announced on the 26th (local time).

The visit is seen as an effort to strengthen joint responses with Asian countries, given the increasing regional security threats posed by China and others.

Regarding the trip, the Department of Defense explained, "Key agendas will include the United States' focus on the Indo-Pacific, a priority theater for the Department, the importance of allies expanding their defense spending and contributions to collective defense, and the Department's commitment to closely cooperating with these allies."

According to the detailed itinerary, Secretary Austin will meet with the leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii to assess the combat readiness of U.S. forces.

In Japan, he is expected to emphasize the importance of urgent alliance strengthening to counter growing regional threats.

In Malaysia, he will attend the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus to discuss strengthening regional security cooperation, and in Vietnam, he will discuss ways to expand defense cooperation, including defense trade and information sharing.

In South Korea, he will co-chair the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM).

The U.S. Department of Defense stated that Secretary Austin intends to highly value the South Korean government's increased defense expenditures and its commitment to taking greater responsibility for deterrence and defense of the ROK-U.S. alliance.

The Department of Defense said, "Under Secretary Austin's clear and strong leadership, the Department recognizes the importance of strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region and the need to solidify 'peace through strength' with allies and partners," adding, "Secretary Austin will emphasize these agendas during his trip."

Yonhap News