"by any other measure in any other place, that would be unacceptable, and I would say it is unacceptable here"
"I share your frustration, because I wanted to move faster, but we are heading in that direction, sir."
"I want them to come into my National Defense Reserve Fleet."
"the U.S., in both the Obama administration and the Trump administration, endorsed the tribunal's ruling."
"this is an incredibly important strategic issue."
"this increasing Chinese brinkmanship may likely, at some point, conclude in a violent confrontation."
"I believe the United States needs to take several steps to deter this collision."
"I fervently believe that the best way to preserve the peace is to prepare for war."
"Weakness begets aggression, and I categorically reject this path."
"I have faith in our Nation, our democracy, and our ideals."
"These operations are designed to gain advantage without provoking a conventional military response, and they are, therefore, difficult to counter effectively."
"Frankly, China is not abiding by cues, as I understand it from talking to naval operators."