It is important because as we have all talked about today, we are engaged in an intense competition with China across many areas.

not being a part of that is a self-inflicted wound.

It is making a big difference.

The rest of the world needs to see economic benefits by being aligned.

We are communicating, every single engagement... this is at the top of the agenda.

I think country-after-country around the world is increasingly making clear to Beijing that that would have catastrophic consequences for everyone.

China represents the most consequential geopolitical challenge that we face today; a country with the intent and, increasingly, the capability to challenge our vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous international order.

We are not trying to contain China.

These Island Nations in the North Pacific are--basically what stands between us and the further reaches of the Pacific.

I could not agree with you more on the imperative of this challenge.

The policy that administration after administration has pursued over 5 decades... has done very well.

Our budget proposal will allow us to further deepen our diplomatic footprint in the Indo-Pacific.