During the thirteenth Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Hawaii on May 2, 2024, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III focused on deepening cooperation to bolster the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. The ministers emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and stability, particularly in the face of challenges posed by China and North Korea. They acknowledged significant progress in trilateral partnerships and strategic alignment, including advancements in defense capabilities and exercises. The meeting also underscored the importance of international law and collaborative efforts to enhance regional defense and security architecture.–News Editor NA