US Undersecretary Colby rejects claims of strained military stockpiles, affirms Indo-Pacific readiness

Published Aug 11, 03:49 PM UTC

Elbridge Colby, U.S. Department of War Undersecretary for Policy, pushed back against reports that U.S. military stockpiles and capabilities are strained following Operation Epic Fury, during a visit to Manila, Philippines. Speaking at a closed-door event organized by the Stratbase Institute, Colby asserted that U.S. forces, especially maritime and aerospace assets, remain ready to fulfill priority missions in the Indo-Pacific. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing after a July 20 confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese personnel injured a Philippine Navy sailor. Colby described the U.S. strategy as 'defensive' and focused on denying any state regional hegemony, while emphasizing quiet measures to support allies like the Philippines. The visit precedes a planned state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S. in September and follows the signing of an eight-point partnership plan between Pacific Command and the Philippine armed forces for 2027.