Speaking at the Stratbase Institute in Manila on 10 August 2026, Elbridge Colby, US Under Secretary of War for Policy, said American interests remained deeply engaged in the Indo-Pacific, rejecting suggestions that Washington was retreating from the region. He said the United States was pursuing a strategy of "flexible realism" centred on clear priorities, stronger deterrence and greater contributions from allies and partners. Colby said Washington's objective was to maintain a favourable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, with the US seeking to establish a posture of deterrence by denial along the First Island Chain. He stressed that regional security could not rest disproportionately on American resources, calling for stronger military capabilities and greater burden-sharing among partners. Highlighting defence cooperation with the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, he said Washington was pursuing practical, interest-based partnerships that respected national sovereignty while strengthening collective deterrence. He also reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN, arguing that the United States' approach to the region would be based on "flexible realism", practical cooperation and shared strategic interests.