Manila, Aug. 13 -- The United States is seeking to deepen defense cooperation across Southeast Asia while strengthening regional military capabilities and avoiding what Washington sees as unnecessarily provocative rhetoric, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge A. Colby said during a briefing on Thursday.
Colby, speaking during a regional tour of the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia, said Washington wanted stronger partnerships with countries across the region based on sovereignty, practical cooperation and a shared interest in deterring conflict.
"We're looking to sustain a balance of power in the region based on a combination of strength and peace," Colby said, describing the approach as "peace through strength."Colby ...