Pentagon official on Asia trip to discuss AUKUS, defense spending
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia John Noh is touring the Indo-Pacific region to address concerns over the AUKUS submarine agreement and defense spending, amid shifts under the Trump administration. His visit to Australia, Japan, and South Korea comes as the U.S. reviews AUKUS to ensure alignment with Trump's priorities, raising fears in Australia about possible delays or cancellation of submarine deliveries. The review is led by Elbridge Colby, who is reportedly cautious about U.S. readiness in a Taiwan contingency. In Japan, Noh will push for increased defense spending, echoing Trump's success in raising NATO targets, and encouraging Asian allies to follow suit. The U.S. aims to reassure partners while aligning regional defense strategy with its evolving agenda.