Cleo Pascal

But when we talk about Europe, and especially in the context of the...

national security strategy where they say Europe might not be what we think it is in 20 or 30 years, Europe isn't geographically contained to the continent of Europe.

There are pieces of Europe, as we see the UK is in the Indian Ocean, France is in the Indian Ocean and in the Pacific.

And I think, for example, the French are looking for a way to get out of New Caledonia.

So when we're looking at our strategic geography, and especially these very critical islands, we need to take into account what is happening in those European capitals and how they're reacting towards the U.S.

now in order to be able to get ahead of the game, because I don't think they're the allies that necessarily...

They're presumed to be.

And I also think that they're looking for ways to get out of the rest of the world, which will leave the US even more exposed.

Diego Garcia is the most clear example of this now, but I don't think it's going to be the only one.

I'm in the Republic of Palau, which is in free association with the United States.

This is the country of the island of Peleliu.

This is a country that definitely knows war and doesn't want war again.

And the president of this country, President Serangal Whipps, was the keynote speaker at the Honolulu Defense Forum.

And he explained in very strong and clear terms why his country recognizes Taiwan.

and the risks that the Chinese Communist Party imposes on anything that gets close to it.

So this is a country of blood and courage.

And it's an honor and privilege to be here.

And I learn from Palauans every day about how important it is to be on the front line and be willing to fight.

Sure.

I mean, you can find me on X, and I would just say, just to point out, that you're hitting the U.S.