With Eye on China, Pentagon Chief Heads to Southeast Asia

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin holds a press conference, at The Pentagon in Washington, on July 21, 2021. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin became the first member of President Joe Biden’s cabinet to visit Southeast Asia this week, seeking to emphasize the importance Washington places on fortifying ties in the region while pushing back against China.

Austin arrived in Singapore on Tuesday at the start of his southeast Asia tour. He was greeted by the country’s defense minister, Ng Eng Hen.