Arnold Palacios, governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, emphasized that acknowledging the changing Indo-Pacific reality is crucial, stating, "The world is changing in the Indo-Pacific and we need to acknowledge that. We need to face reality." He underscored the urgency of the military upgrades as a direct response to escalating tensions in the region, underscoring the need for a strong defense.
Palacios expressed concerns over China's actions, pointing out, "China's recent missile test over the Pacific Ocean and deployment of forces around Taiwan highlight the risks. We're the second chain of violence – if something happens, we will be impacted." This illustrates the interconnectedness of regional threats and the imperative for the US to bolster its defense readiness.
Discussing the sentiment around military bases, Palacios lamented, "Do I wish that we don't have to have military bases? I think everybody in this world would like to see peace, but the best deterrent is to have a good defense and to be prepared." His remarks reflect a desire for peace yet a recognition of the necessity of military preparedness.
Collection
[
|
...
]