Top Pentagon Advisor Backs Stronger Deterrence To Maintain Peace in Asia

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US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby is urging partners in Asia to pursue "peace through strength" during a tour of Southeast Asia. Colby made the remarks in a briefing to journalists on Thursday, responding to a question about Taiwan's Han Kuang Exercise. "Nobody wants a war," he said.

US Under Secretary of War for Policy Urges Peace Through Strength

REPORTER:  
US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby is urging Asian nations to foster peace through strength.

Elbridge A. Colby (UNDER SECRETARY OF WAR FOR POLICY):  
Nobody wants a big war. But you understand that you have to be strong to ensure that you can prevent that outcome.

Colby made the remarks in response to a question about Taiwan's military preparedness during an online briefing while on tour in Southeast Asia. The under secretary has been a vocal supporter of maintaining the status quo using deterrence. In his confirmation hearing in 2025, said he would want Taiwan to boost defense spending to 10% of GDP.

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