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| Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin in 'Air Force Forum in Japan' discussion panel on Oct. 15, 2024 | Photo: U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force websites. |
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Flosi are currently attending an international Air Force Forum organized by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in Tokyo from October 14 to 16.
General Allvin remarked on the significance of the forum, stating, "It’s a privilege to connect with various leaders at this important event hosted by our Japanese allies. This forum highlights our strong defense relationships with Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force and other regional partners as we tackle shared challenges."
Flosi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the vital importance of alliances. "In today’s complex global security landscape, no nation can face these challenges in isolation," he noted. "Engagements like this forum in Japan reaffirm our shared commitment and enhance our ability to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific."
The forum included an Indo-Pacific Air Chiefs Conference where General Allvin participated in a panel with leaders from over 20 nations, including Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lt. General Eric Kenny and French Air and Space Force Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Philippe Morales. During the session, Allvin highlighted the need to strengthen existing alliances to build a networked security framework capable of deterring aggression and maintaining stability in accordance with international law.
He addressed regional challenges, mentioning "the tyranny of distance and contested logistics" and emphasized the necessity for interoperability among nations. "The key to success is right here in this room. We must work together to ensure systems compatibility, remove policy obstacles, and enhance information sharing to create a unified operational perspective," Allvin stated.
He further stressed the importance of speed in conflict, saying, "If we operate as individual nations rather than as a cohesive unit, we risk being less effective. Our ability to recognize, respond, and act together is crucial."
The conference focuses on the shifting security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, with Allvin underscoring the U.S. National Defense Strategy's prioritization of this region. "I am acutely aware of the threats we face today, which is why this is my second visit to the area in just six months."
In a meeting on the sidelines, Allvin met with Japan's Minister of Defense, Gen. Nakatani, and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening regional partnerships. "We are making significant investments in our capabilities while supporting our allies as they enhance theirs," he said.
Additionally, Allvin, along with Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kevin Schneider, participated in a trilateral meeting with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen. Uchikura Hiroaki and Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño. "We are making real progress by moving beyond bilateral engagements to multilateral cooperation. The more partners we include, the greater impact we can achieve, creating a significant asymmetric advantage in addressing our challenges," Allvin concluded.
tags: Asia Pacific, Indo Pacific, Pacific region, FOIP, Free and Open Indo Pacific, Japan,
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