1 00:00:02,240 --> 00:00:03,073 - Well, good afternoon. 2 00:00:03,073 --> 00:00:05,850 It's great to see so many faces out here. 3 00:00:07,290 --> 00:00:10,440 So last month I provided my third update 4 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:12,380 to the Senate Armed Services Committee 5 00:00:12,380 --> 00:00:13,930 as the U.S. SOUTHCOM commander. 6 00:00:14,870 --> 00:00:17,090 Much of what I discussed with the committee members 7 00:00:17,090 --> 00:00:18,640 is also of interest to you 8 00:00:18,660 --> 00:00:20,310 and to the public that we serve, 9 00:00:20,450 --> 00:00:23,160 so I consider this briefing equally important 10 00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:25,140 to informing American citizens, 11 00:00:25,730 --> 00:00:27,650 those who entrust us with our mission. 12 00:00:28,260 --> 00:00:30,270 Now understandably, the threats that we 13 00:00:30,270 --> 00:00:32,020 and our partners face in the region 14 00:00:32,050 --> 00:00:33,810 are a chief concern to many. 15 00:00:34,380 --> 00:00:37,130 This year, I underscore the sophistication, 16 00:00:37,332 --> 00:00:40,030 adaptiveness, and considerable financing 17 00:00:40,210 --> 00:00:42,730 leveraged by criminal and extremist elements. 18 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:45,670 Drug traffickers, human smugglers, 19 00:00:45,670 --> 00:00:47,840 terrorist supporters, arms dealers 20 00:00:48,330 --> 00:00:51,080 and money launderers are not new to this region, 21 00:00:51,380 --> 00:00:54,370 but they operate in new and surprising ways, 22 00:00:54,370 --> 00:00:55,790 compared to years past. 23 00:00:56,270 --> 00:00:58,740 Relying solely on what worked in decades past 24 00:00:58,740 --> 00:01:01,060 to find and disrupt them is not enough. 25 00:01:01,740 --> 00:01:04,530 Threat network enablers like facilitators, 26 00:01:04,630 --> 00:01:06,320 suppliers, recruiters, 27 00:01:06,320 --> 00:01:08,410 and technicians provide criminals 28 00:01:08,410 --> 00:01:11,700 and extremist with unprecedented global reach, 29 00:01:11,770 --> 00:01:13,800 and the ability to operate stealthily 30 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:16,450 in both the physical and the cyber worlds. 31 00:01:17,190 --> 00:01:19,830 Criminal networks leverage all means available 32 00:01:19,920 --> 00:01:22,670 to move lethal narcotics, people, 33 00:01:22,700 --> 00:01:25,850 weapons, and dirty money into and out 34 00:01:25,850 --> 00:01:27,950 of Latin America and the U.S. homeland. 35 00:01:28,650 --> 00:01:31,650 Extremist networks like ISIS reach deep 36 00:01:31,650 --> 00:01:32,840 into our hemisphere, 37 00:01:33,230 --> 00:01:35,700 inspire would be terrorists to conduct attacks 38 00:01:35,700 --> 00:01:36,533 in the region, 39 00:01:36,533 --> 00:01:38,770 or to attempt entry into the United States 40 00:01:38,790 --> 00:01:40,200 to do our citizens harm. 41 00:01:41,110 --> 00:01:43,530 We also face the ever present shared danger 42 00:01:43,530 --> 00:01:44,900 of natural disasters, 43 00:01:44,930 --> 00:01:47,070 which can lead to humanitarian concerns 44 00:01:47,070 --> 00:01:50,040 impacting millions in our hemisphere's citizens. 45 00:01:51,000 --> 00:01:54,040 Additionally, countries with different interests 46 00:01:54,040 --> 00:01:58,090 and approaches, like China, Russia, and Iran, 47 00:01:58,090 --> 00:02:00,330 actively seek footholds in our hemisphere. 48 00:02:01,760 --> 00:02:04,020 They do not place the same value on the freedoms 49 00:02:04,020 --> 00:02:07,180 and principles that we share with democratic nations 50 00:02:07,180 --> 00:02:08,480 in the Western Hemisphere. 51 00:02:09,180 --> 00:02:11,660 Those freedoms and principles are what unite us, 52 00:02:12,020 --> 00:02:14,580 and we are watchful for attempts by China, 53 00:02:14,610 --> 00:02:18,170 Russia, and Iran to erode those shared principles 54 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:20,050 to threaten our interests, 55 00:02:20,120 --> 00:02:22,580 or undermine our partnerships within the region. 56 00:02:23,610 --> 00:02:25,870 These shared concerns are driving our efforts 57 00:02:25,870 --> 00:02:28,640 to continue building a network of capable partners 58 00:02:28,740 --> 00:02:31,040 across the Defense Department, 59 00:02:31,140 --> 00:02:33,490 the federal government, the Western Hemisphere, 60 00:02:33,490 --> 00:02:35,780 and ultimately, the international community. 61 00:02:36,870 --> 00:02:39,260 Last year, we partnered with U.S. Northern command 62 00:02:39,260 --> 00:02:42,240 to cohost a Central American security conference 63 00:02:42,330 --> 00:02:43,250 with Mexico. 64 00:02:43,970 --> 00:02:46,220 In February, we hosted an opioid summit 65 00:02:46,290 --> 00:02:49,120 with our interagency partners to identify ways 66 00:02:49,120 --> 00:02:53,560 to unify our response to our nation's deadly opioid crisis. 67 00:02:54,780 --> 00:02:56,420 We are expanding our collaboration 68 00:02:56,420 --> 00:02:57,680 with the Department of Treasury 69 00:02:57,680 --> 00:02:59,630 and the Department of Homeland Security 70 00:02:59,700 --> 00:03:01,470 to deepen our intelligence sharing 71 00:03:01,470 --> 00:03:04,530 and analysis to better detect, disrupt, 72 00:03:04,530 --> 00:03:06,890 and dismantle networks that enable threats 73 00:03:06,890 --> 00:03:07,830 to our security. 74 00:03:09,010 --> 00:03:11,420 We're doing the same with our regional partners, 75 00:03:11,610 --> 00:03:13,700 and they are increasingly contributing 76 00:03:13,950 --> 00:03:15,720 to our multinational efforts. 77 00:03:16,530 --> 00:03:19,400 Last fiscal year, Joint Interagency Task Force South 78 00:03:19,590 --> 00:03:22,980 interdicted 283 metric tons of cocaine, 79 00:03:23,380 --> 00:03:26,440 thanks in large part to our partners in the region. 80 00:03:27,090 --> 00:03:28,640 Without our partners' support, 81 00:03:28,790 --> 00:03:31,688 77 metric tons of cocaine would have reached 82 00:03:31,688 --> 00:03:33,430 the U.S. last year alone. 83 00:03:34,560 --> 00:03:36,640 After Hurricanes Irma and Maria 84 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:38,850 caused levels of devastation not experienced 85 00:03:38,850 --> 00:03:39,870 in a generation, 86 00:03:40,230 --> 00:03:42,190 we worked side by side with Caribbean 87 00:03:42,190 --> 00:03:44,570 and European partners to evacuate 88 00:03:44,720 --> 00:03:47,240 and deliver aid to thousands of victims. 89 00:03:48,200 --> 00:03:49,560 Now, those are but a few examples 90 00:03:49,560 --> 00:03:51,280 of what a network of interagency 91 00:03:51,280 --> 00:03:53,510 and international partners can accomplish. 92 00:03:54,336 --> 00:03:57,110 We are going to continue building that network, 93 00:03:57,400 --> 00:03:59,870 ever expanding it by integrating our expertise 94 00:03:59,870 --> 00:04:02,710 and tools with those of committed partners 95 00:04:02,810 --> 00:04:05,380 to remain more adaptive and capable 96 00:04:05,480 --> 00:04:09,010 than adversaries who exploit or target our citizens. 97 00:04:09,770 --> 00:04:12,270 We will do it in concert with our trusted friends, 98 00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:15,850 and as partners, we agree a networked approach 99 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:17,420 is the best response 100 00:04:17,460 --> 00:04:19,740 to today's regional security challenges. 101 00:04:20,310 --> 00:04:21,850 We have long standing defense 102 00:04:21,850 --> 00:04:24,730 and security ties with nations in South America, 103 00:04:24,750 --> 00:04:26,560 Central America, and the Caribbean. 104 00:04:27,180 --> 00:04:29,290 They share our democratic values, 105 00:04:29,410 --> 00:04:31,160 and our commitment to work together 106 00:04:31,300 --> 00:04:33,580 for a stable and peaceful hemisphere. 107 00:04:34,500 --> 00:04:36,350 The long standing ties that we enjoy 108 00:04:36,350 --> 00:04:39,360 with those nations should never be taken for granted. 109 00:04:39,980 --> 00:04:41,750 If we do not actively engage 110 00:04:41,750 --> 00:04:44,180 and work with these partners, others will. 111 00:04:45,530 --> 00:04:46,850 Now, I know you're probably interested 112 00:04:46,850 --> 00:04:48,310 in these and other topics, 113 00:04:48,440 --> 00:04:50,430 so what I want to do is devote the rest 114 00:04:50,430 --> 00:04:52,880 of the time to the questions that you might have, 115 00:04:53,630 --> 00:04:57,760 and since normally, our friends from AP are not here, 116 00:04:57,990 --> 00:04:58,900 first question. 117 00:04:59,300 --> 00:05:00,480 - Mike Fabey from Jane's. 118 00:05:00,480 --> 00:05:03,340 You started off by talking about how the enemies, 119 00:05:03,340 --> 00:05:05,446 if you will, are operating in different ways, 120 00:05:05,446 --> 00:05:06,279 and everything like that. 121 00:05:06,279 --> 00:05:07,440 I'd like to know, get an idea, 122 00:05:07,460 --> 00:05:10,500 what kind of different ways that you're saying, 123 00:05:10,500 --> 00:05:12,295 and also, as part of that, what do you need? 124 00:05:12,295 --> 00:05:15,880 What do you have, and what do you need more of 125 00:05:16,150 --> 00:05:19,490 in order to combat this? (mumbling) 126 00:05:20,600 --> 00:05:22,720 - So, the biggest challenge obviously 127 00:05:22,940 --> 00:05:25,110 is the ability to perceive the environment 128 00:05:25,750 --> 00:05:28,310 and what's changing in the world today. 129 00:05:28,490 --> 00:05:30,800 In the past, that was a fairly straightforward, 130 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:33,910 simple task of being able to physically see 131 00:05:34,080 --> 00:05:37,380 or by radar detect tracks 132 00:05:37,380 --> 00:05:38,570 that were moving through the area, 133 00:05:38,570 --> 00:05:40,240 but in the modern era 134 00:05:40,240 --> 00:05:42,550 because of the ability of networks 135 00:05:42,550 --> 00:05:45,110 to be able to move relatively undetected 136 00:05:45,110 --> 00:05:47,490 through a multitude of different domains, 137 00:05:47,560 --> 00:05:49,380 most notably the cyber domain, 138 00:05:49,950 --> 00:05:51,260 that presents some challenges, 139 00:05:51,260 --> 00:05:53,350 and so, our ability to be able to see 140 00:05:53,500 --> 00:05:56,210 and understand their ability 141 00:05:56,210 --> 00:05:59,240 to influence a variety of actors, 142 00:05:59,530 --> 00:06:01,660 hence the importance of our partnership 143 00:06:01,780 --> 00:06:03,780 with organizations like the Department of Treasury, 144 00:06:03,780 --> 00:06:06,590 to be able to understand how the flows 145 00:06:06,590 --> 00:06:09,800 of financing moving internationally can impact that. 146 00:06:11,150 --> 00:06:11,983 Sir. 147 00:06:12,080 --> 00:06:13,140 - From the Washington Post. 148 00:06:13,140 --> 00:06:14,710 I understand recently you were in Colombia 149 00:06:14,710 --> 00:06:15,990 in the Tumaco region. 150 00:06:16,290 --> 00:06:17,670 Can you tell us if you think 151 00:06:17,670 --> 00:06:20,000 the Colombian government has turned the corner 152 00:06:20,360 --> 00:06:22,660 in terms of its ability to discourage 153 00:06:22,660 --> 00:06:24,160 the legal cultivation of cocoa? 154 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:27,380 And if you could speak in terms of specifics, 155 00:06:27,380 --> 00:06:30,560 in terms of hectares, seizures, all of that? 156 00:06:30,560 --> 00:06:32,739 Have you seen the kinds of progress 157 00:06:32,739 --> 00:06:35,630 that this administration has been looking for 158 00:06:35,860 --> 00:06:37,790 in terms of the Colombian government's ability 159 00:06:37,790 --> 00:06:42,790 to get a handle on this very steep upward trend? 160 00:06:44,993 --> 00:06:48,820 - I think I would defer to the government 161 00:06:48,820 --> 00:06:51,040 of Colombia to make the decision, 162 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:52,730 or to make the assessment 163 00:06:52,730 --> 00:06:54,610 of turning a corner or not. 164 00:06:54,610 --> 00:06:57,200 What I would say is it's very clear 165 00:06:57,200 --> 00:06:58,310 that the level of commitment 166 00:06:58,310 --> 00:06:59,920 is at the very highest levels 167 00:06:59,920 --> 00:07:01,320 of the Colombian government. 168 00:07:01,500 --> 00:07:02,950 I had the opportunity to meet 169 00:07:03,210 --> 00:07:05,121 and have some fairly extensive conversations 170 00:07:05,121 --> 00:07:06,910 with the vice president, 171 00:07:06,910 --> 00:07:09,950 who has principal responsibility in working this area, 172 00:07:10,380 --> 00:07:11,540 Vice President Naranjo, 173 00:07:11,550 --> 00:07:12,820 but also, to be able to meet 174 00:07:12,820 --> 00:07:14,980 with the Minister of Defense 175 00:07:14,980 --> 00:07:17,250 and the Chief of Defense, General Mejia. 176 00:07:17,770 --> 00:07:19,370 There's no doubt in my mind in terms 177 00:07:19,370 --> 00:07:20,690 of the level of commitment, 178 00:07:20,690 --> 00:07:22,980 the steps that the security forces, 179 00:07:22,980 --> 00:07:25,670 the army as well, as the armed forces, 180 00:07:25,670 --> 00:07:27,770 as well as the national police are taking, 181 00:07:27,800 --> 00:07:32,800 the level of interagency coordination that is required, 182 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:35,800 but it should come as no great surprise 183 00:07:35,930 --> 00:07:38,250 as we observed a year ago, 184 00:07:38,700 --> 00:07:41,080 the signing of the peace deal was obviously 185 00:07:41,500 --> 00:07:43,110 an all important first step, 186 00:07:43,110 --> 00:07:43,990 but it was only that. 187 00:07:43,990 --> 00:07:44,860 It was the first step, 188 00:07:44,860 --> 00:07:47,300 and so it is the achieving the peace, 189 00:07:47,300 --> 00:07:49,110 the winning the peace that ultimately 190 00:07:49,110 --> 00:07:52,810 is going to lead to the ability to bring back 191 00:07:54,470 --> 00:07:58,490 into the ability of the government 192 00:07:58,490 --> 00:08:00,160 to reach into parts of the country 193 00:08:00,160 --> 00:08:03,080 that previously had been under the control of FARC 194 00:08:03,240 --> 00:08:04,790 and of other criminal elements. 195 00:08:05,370 --> 00:08:07,230 This now, I think, is an area 196 00:08:07,230 --> 00:08:08,470 that they're committed to, 197 00:08:08,470 --> 00:08:10,460 and our responsibility is to continue 198 00:08:10,460 --> 00:08:11,830 to stand shoulder to shoulder with them 199 00:08:11,830 --> 00:08:14,200 and work very closely with our Colombian partners. 200 00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:15,210 - A follow up, sorry. 201 00:08:15,210 --> 00:08:17,150 The president has said explicitly 202 00:08:17,150 --> 00:08:18,510 to President Santos that they want 203 00:08:18,510 --> 00:08:21,070 to see progress in this front. 204 00:08:21,070 --> 00:08:22,220 Have you seen that progress? 205 00:08:22,220 --> 00:08:24,920 - I think we're seeing some significant progress, yes. 206 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:26,273 Sir. 207 00:08:26,273 --> 00:08:27,960 - Hi, admiral, I'm (mumbling) with (mumbling). 208 00:08:28,030 --> 00:08:28,863 Good afternoon. 209 00:08:29,260 --> 00:08:30,890 You mentioned in your opening remarks 210 00:08:30,890 --> 00:08:32,950 we have a network of capable partners, 211 00:08:33,210 --> 00:08:34,043 and I've been wondering. 212 00:08:34,043 --> 00:08:35,100 I saw out a report earlier 213 00:08:35,100 --> 00:08:38,610 about how Argentina is seeking closer ties 214 00:08:38,610 --> 00:08:39,870 with the U.S. military. 215 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:43,680 Thinking of your statement then as a duet, 216 00:08:45,430 --> 00:08:47,570 is there a nation, or are there nations 217 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:49,600 in South America in particular 218 00:08:49,830 --> 00:08:52,110 that the United States is now moving towards 219 00:08:52,110 --> 00:08:55,190 to sort of have a Canada like ally on its north flank? 220 00:08:55,270 --> 00:08:56,450 Would there be nations down there 221 00:08:56,450 --> 00:08:59,380 that you see the capability of establishing them 222 00:08:59,380 --> 00:09:04,380 as an, you know, an equal standing, go alone type of ally? 223 00:09:04,560 --> 00:09:06,320 And if so, if you can mention them. 224 00:09:06,320 --> 00:09:07,260 If not, I understand, 225 00:09:07,260 --> 00:09:09,230 but could you just address that issue? (mumbling) 226 00:09:09,230 --> 00:09:13,343 - Sure, you know, the challenge is, obviously, 227 00:09:13,343 --> 00:09:15,100 if you mention nations, 228 00:09:15,100 --> 00:09:17,960 you will leave nations out, and that will be misinterpreted. 229 00:09:17,960 --> 00:09:19,650 - [Man] I understand, and that's why, generally speaking-- 230 00:09:19,650 --> 00:09:21,210 - But let me just talk to, 231 00:09:21,310 --> 00:09:24,530 there are a number of very capable, 232 00:09:24,530 --> 00:09:29,030 highly trained, motivated countries 233 00:09:29,030 --> 00:09:31,620 with security forces with whom we have worked with 234 00:09:31,620 --> 00:09:33,320 very, very closely over the years. 235 00:09:33,660 --> 00:09:35,840 I've already spoken of Colombia, 236 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:39,890 in terms of a significant strategic partner 237 00:09:39,890 --> 00:09:42,340 as we work together not just within Colombia, 238 00:09:42,340 --> 00:09:43,790 not just dealing exclusively 239 00:09:43,790 --> 00:09:46,310 with the issue of coca cultivation, 240 00:09:46,320 --> 00:09:48,676 but we work with Colombia across a wide range 241 00:09:48,676 --> 00:09:51,300 of hemispheric security challenges, 242 00:09:51,630 --> 00:09:53,080 so I would call them out. 243 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:56,120 But I would also point very, very clearly to Chile, 244 00:09:56,360 --> 00:09:58,270 a country very capable, 245 00:09:58,440 --> 00:10:00,500 and, in fact, the Chilean navy 246 00:10:00,500 --> 00:10:02,440 will be exercising a position 247 00:10:02,440 --> 00:10:03,920 of significant responsibility 248 00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:06,610 in this year's Rim of the Pacific Exercise, 249 00:10:06,610 --> 00:10:09,070 where they will be the maritime component commander 250 00:10:09,070 --> 00:10:10,480 for that exercise, 251 00:10:10,970 --> 00:10:13,930 and so that is, I think, a significant, 252 00:10:13,930 --> 00:10:16,900 it's the world's largest naval exercise. 253 00:10:16,900 --> 00:10:18,000 And so, to have one 254 00:10:18,821 --> 00:10:20,840 of our South American partners participate 255 00:10:20,840 --> 00:10:22,220 as the maritime component leader, 256 00:10:22,220 --> 00:10:25,690 I think, is indicative of their level of capability. 257 00:10:25,760 --> 00:10:28,540 Brazil, also, very capable partner. 258 00:10:29,020 --> 00:10:34,020 We see problems, I think, through a very similar lens, 259 00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:35,760 and so there are opportunities to be able 260 00:10:35,760 --> 00:10:36,940 to work closely together, 261 00:10:36,940 --> 00:10:39,620 and now, as you mentioned, Argentina is a country 262 00:10:39,620 --> 00:10:42,456 that as a result of the recent elections, 263 00:10:42,456 --> 00:10:45,690 we are now able to once again resume a close 264 00:10:45,690 --> 00:10:48,416 and fruitful security partnership with them, 265 00:10:48,416 --> 00:10:49,960 so those are examples. 266 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:51,500 That's not all inclusive. 267 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:53,810 I will be in trouble for having neglected 268 00:10:53,810 --> 00:10:55,180 to mention some other close partners, 269 00:10:55,180 --> 00:10:56,438 but I would-- 270 00:10:56,438 --> 00:10:58,310 - [Man] Don't blame me. 271 00:10:58,310 --> 00:10:59,780 - No blame, but I would just say those 272 00:10:59,780 --> 00:11:01,220 are examples of the kinds 273 00:11:01,220 --> 00:11:03,500 of committed security partnerships, 274 00:11:03,720 --> 00:11:07,120 based largely on the historic relationships 275 00:11:07,120 --> 00:11:10,920 where they send officers to study in our war colleges 276 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:11,760 and our service schools. 277 00:11:11,760 --> 00:11:13,820 We have officers who study in their countries, 278 00:11:13,820 --> 00:11:17,340 so there is this deep and abiding understanding 279 00:11:17,340 --> 00:11:18,380 of having worked together, 280 00:11:18,380 --> 00:11:20,550 and it continues to bear fruit. 281 00:11:21,349 --> 00:11:22,820 - Okay, General, Hans Nichols with NBC News. 282 00:11:22,820 --> 00:11:24,990 At the top, you talked a lot about extremists and ISIS. 283 00:11:24,990 --> 00:11:26,330 Just wondering what sort of evidence 284 00:11:26,330 --> 00:11:28,610 you have that either ISIS cells 285 00:11:28,610 --> 00:11:30,940 or networks are in your AOR. 286 00:11:31,730 --> 00:11:34,410 - I think I would just point to a couple 287 00:11:34,410 --> 00:11:38,560 of the foreign fighters that have been very vocal 288 00:11:38,560 --> 00:11:39,393 in the past, 289 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:41,050 speaking in English language 290 00:11:41,440 --> 00:11:43,680 in the ISIS fight in Syria 291 00:11:44,750 --> 00:11:46,740 that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. 292 00:11:46,740 --> 00:11:47,573 We know they came. 293 00:11:47,573 --> 00:11:49,570 We know that the government of Trinidad 294 00:11:49,570 --> 00:11:53,000 has spoken of 100 or so that, 295 00:11:53,110 --> 00:11:56,910 foreign fighters that have gone to that particular fight. 296 00:11:57,753 --> 00:12:01,110 So I guess that would be probably the best indicator 297 00:12:01,110 --> 00:12:03,650 that, yes, in fact, there are individuals 298 00:12:03,650 --> 00:12:05,740 who have been radicalized, 299 00:12:05,900 --> 00:12:10,900 who this pernicious message has taken root, 300 00:12:11,330 --> 00:12:12,940 and so it's one that is of concern 301 00:12:12,940 --> 00:12:15,370 to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. 302 00:12:15,370 --> 00:12:16,760 They have focused on it, 303 00:12:16,760 --> 00:12:18,490 and so I think it's an area that we all have 304 00:12:18,490 --> 00:12:19,800 to take into consideration. 305 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:20,633 - In terms of the smuggling routes, 306 00:12:20,633 --> 00:12:24,160 have there been any cases of ISIS potential sympathizers 307 00:12:24,160 --> 00:12:25,790 or fighters trying to come into the U.S. 308 00:12:25,790 --> 00:12:27,240 from the Southern Hemisphere? 309 00:12:27,560 --> 00:12:29,330 - I think what I would do is leave 310 00:12:29,330 --> 00:12:30,930 that in law enforcement channels right now 311 00:12:30,930 --> 00:12:33,410 and not talk in any specifics, 312 00:12:33,410 --> 00:12:35,920 but it's an area that we work closely together 313 00:12:36,360 --> 00:12:40,000 because we recognize that our law enforcement partners, 314 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:41,260 our intelligence community partners, 315 00:12:41,260 --> 00:12:44,040 military partners, diplomatic community partners, 316 00:12:44,040 --> 00:12:45,700 as well as partner nations, 317 00:12:45,700 --> 00:12:48,640 all have a key role to play, 318 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:50,410 working together as part of a team 319 00:12:50,410 --> 00:12:52,570 so that we are able to see 320 00:12:52,570 --> 00:12:54,420 if something like that were to occur. 321 00:12:54,940 --> 00:12:55,773 Thank you. 322 00:12:55,773 --> 00:12:57,450 - Hi, Admiral, Kevin Baron from Defense One. 323 00:12:57,450 --> 00:12:59,270 Continuing on Hans's question, 324 00:12:59,270 --> 00:13:01,180 you said specifically extremist networks 325 00:13:01,180 --> 00:13:03,160 like ISIS reach deep into our hemisphere, 326 00:13:03,160 --> 00:13:05,790 so maybe give examples of that. 327 00:13:06,250 --> 00:13:07,930 And on the foreign fighter question 328 00:13:07,930 --> 00:13:09,200 that you mentioned, too, a year ago, 329 00:13:09,200 --> 00:13:11,230 the worry was of foreign fighters 330 00:13:11,230 --> 00:13:12,810 coming back through the Caribbean 331 00:13:12,810 --> 00:13:14,910 because they have lesser border control standards 332 00:13:14,910 --> 00:13:16,060 than the United States. 333 00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:17,530 What's the status of that? 334 00:13:17,530 --> 00:13:18,770 How's that come up, too? 335 00:13:18,889 --> 00:13:19,722 To follow on after that, 336 00:13:19,722 --> 00:13:21,480 I'd like to ask about, you know, hurricane relief. 337 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:25,820 - Okay, so I think what I would observe is that, 338 00:13:27,450 --> 00:13:29,960 because of the increased attention 339 00:13:29,960 --> 00:13:32,900 that has been paid and the successful efforts 340 00:13:32,900 --> 00:13:34,660 of the international community 341 00:13:35,420 --> 00:13:37,221 that have come together and are working 342 00:13:37,221 --> 00:13:38,810 to counter ISIS, 343 00:13:38,810 --> 00:13:40,190 because of their efforts, 344 00:13:40,360 --> 00:13:42,760 the ability to detect the flow of fighters, 345 00:13:42,760 --> 00:13:46,170 has had some success in keeping some 346 00:13:46,170 --> 00:13:48,570 of those returning individuals 347 00:13:48,570 --> 00:13:50,620 from coming back through into the region, 348 00:13:50,722 --> 00:13:53,670 but I would just say, in my conversations 349 00:13:53,670 --> 00:13:57,060 with partners throughout the region in the past, 350 00:13:57,300 --> 00:14:00,890 I think there was an unwillingness to acknowledge 351 00:14:00,890 --> 00:14:03,245 that perhaps they had a problem with radicalization 352 00:14:03,245 --> 00:14:05,580 from these extremist messages. 353 00:14:05,990 --> 00:14:08,650 Now, it is a matter of routine conversation 354 00:14:08,650 --> 00:14:11,040 that we have in which we recognize, 355 00:14:11,220 --> 00:14:13,800 you know, as we saw in our own country, 356 00:14:13,800 --> 00:14:16,190 in San Bernardino and in Orlando, 357 00:14:16,190 --> 00:14:18,010 as we saw in Nice, 358 00:14:18,010 --> 00:14:20,470 and as we've seen in other countries, sadly, 359 00:14:20,650 --> 00:14:22,596 throughout Europe and the rest of the world, 360 00:14:22,596 --> 00:14:25,330 it's all too easy for radicalization to occur, 361 00:14:25,330 --> 00:14:28,040 and so it's something that we must have our eyes open 362 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:30,100 to and be on the lookout for the signs of, 363 00:14:30,100 --> 00:14:32,140 and then the second question that you had? 364 00:14:32,170 --> 00:14:34,440 - Well, you say your real concern 365 00:14:34,440 --> 00:14:37,700 is on radicalization of people already in the region. 366 00:14:37,700 --> 00:14:41,320 It's not about foreign networks-- 367 00:14:41,320 --> 00:14:42,153 - It's both. 368 00:14:42,221 --> 00:14:43,054 (mumbling) 369 00:14:43,054 --> 00:14:43,887 It's both, because, I mean, 370 00:14:43,887 --> 00:14:47,070 it's movements of people, 371 00:14:47,130 --> 00:14:49,470 and as we increase and improve our efforts 372 00:14:49,470 --> 00:14:52,210 to prevent the movement of individuals, 373 00:14:52,210 --> 00:14:56,760 either to the battle zone, or to return, 374 00:14:57,100 --> 00:14:59,640 it is that movement of the message and the ability 375 00:14:59,640 --> 00:15:02,090 of radicalization to occur via the internet that, 376 00:15:02,250 --> 00:15:04,960 I think, gives us all some significant concern. 377 00:15:05,749 --> 00:15:08,520 - Okay, and, if I may, on hurricane relief, 378 00:15:08,930 --> 00:15:12,710 can you give us a status of what lesson is learned 379 00:15:12,710 --> 00:15:13,543 and things you need 380 00:15:13,543 --> 00:15:15,320 from these two extraordinary events, 381 00:15:15,320 --> 00:15:18,890 particularly with the strain of forces 382 00:15:18,890 --> 00:15:21,100 that were intended to go elsewhere and deploy 383 00:15:21,100 --> 00:15:23,910 and on the ability of the military to, you know, 384 00:15:23,910 --> 00:15:27,330 both I mean, the rapid and the medium term response 385 00:15:27,330 --> 00:15:29,340 that's all kind of been a little more difficult 386 00:15:29,340 --> 00:15:30,173 for the military, 387 00:15:30,173 --> 00:15:31,450 it's not really built to do. 388 00:15:32,420 --> 00:15:36,740 - You know, this is not so much a lesson 389 00:15:36,740 --> 00:15:39,780 as it was yet another indication of, 390 00:15:39,780 --> 00:15:41,010 when a crisis occurs, 391 00:15:41,390 --> 00:15:43,510 the ability to respond rapidly 392 00:15:43,780 --> 00:15:47,210 with some immediate capabilities, 393 00:15:47,210 --> 00:15:50,350 and then to follow on with the subsequent capabilities 394 00:15:50,350 --> 00:15:51,183 that are identified. 395 00:15:51,183 --> 00:15:53,660 And so, in the case of USSOUTHCOM 396 00:15:53,660 --> 00:15:54,870 and the countries that we work with, 397 00:15:54,870 --> 00:15:56,410 our closest partners, 398 00:15:56,790 --> 00:15:59,910 USAID and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, 399 00:16:01,765 --> 00:16:04,500 OFDA, building and sustaining those relationships 400 00:16:04,500 --> 00:16:08,310 and understanding how do requirements get identified, 401 00:16:08,800 --> 00:16:10,100 how are they passed to us, 402 00:16:10,170 --> 00:16:12,830 which of them are unique military capabilities 403 00:16:12,830 --> 00:16:13,850 that we can bring to bear, 404 00:16:13,850 --> 00:16:16,351 and, oftentimes, it is our ability 405 00:16:16,351 --> 00:16:21,351 to move things and people relatively quickly 406 00:16:21,537 --> 00:16:24,670 over extended distances, 407 00:16:25,080 --> 00:16:26,280 in the case of SOUTHCOM, 408 00:16:26,280 --> 00:16:28,190 the provision of heavy lift helicopters 409 00:16:28,190 --> 00:16:31,930 to be able to move stores around, 410 00:16:31,930 --> 00:16:33,710 cut off areas, cut off islands. 411 00:16:34,260 --> 00:16:37,910 And so it was our ability to move 412 00:16:37,910 --> 00:16:41,330 to the Eastern Caribbean to initially, 413 00:16:41,610 --> 00:16:43,545 our first work with Hurricane Maria was 414 00:16:43,545 --> 00:16:48,545 to be able to support our French 415 00:16:48,810 --> 00:16:50,350 and Dutch partners in St. Martin. 416 00:16:50,350 --> 00:16:51,820 That was where our efforts 417 00:16:51,820 --> 00:16:54,220 were largely focused initially, 418 00:16:54,220 --> 00:16:57,890 and then, with Irma and Dominica, 419 00:16:57,890 --> 00:16:58,723 it was shifting 420 00:16:58,784 --> 00:17:01,900 to be able to support the efforts down in Dominica. 421 00:17:02,460 --> 00:17:05,270 Interestingly, and, as I think probably 422 00:17:05,270 --> 00:17:06,600 wasn't well recognized, 423 00:17:07,150 --> 00:17:10,710 Maria also hit Miami and had an impact on us 424 00:17:10,710 --> 00:17:11,543 and our headquarters, 425 00:17:11,543 --> 00:17:12,950 and so our ability to conduct 426 00:17:13,020 --> 00:17:15,000 ongoing crisis response operations, 427 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:17,680 at the same time, our families are dealing 428 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:21,890 with having to take measures to be able 429 00:17:21,890 --> 00:17:26,300 to respond to the immediate impact in Miami. 430 00:17:26,400 --> 00:17:29,240 Our Joint Interagency Task Force South, 431 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:30,430 headquartered down in Key West, 432 00:17:30,430 --> 00:17:33,070 as you know, the Keys were pretty heavily hit, 433 00:17:33,300 --> 00:17:37,080 so it was being able to respond effectively 434 00:17:37,080 --> 00:17:37,990 at the same time we're dealing 435 00:17:37,990 --> 00:17:40,590 with the instance itself. 436 00:17:40,590 --> 00:17:42,429 So that's a challenge, 437 00:17:42,429 --> 00:17:44,760 and it'd be one of those things I would just say 438 00:17:44,760 --> 00:17:47,400 that we continue to demonstrate the adaptability 439 00:17:47,510 --> 00:17:49,470 and the flexibility of the men and women 440 00:17:49,470 --> 00:17:50,770 assigned the headquarters. 441 00:17:51,110 --> 00:17:52,075 - [Man] (mumbling) your request for them, 442 00:17:52,075 --> 00:17:53,580 more heavy life, for example. 443 00:17:54,297 --> 00:17:57,586 - It certainly is associated with 444 00:17:57,586 --> 00:18:02,020 how we continue to justify why there is a requirement 445 00:18:02,020 --> 00:18:03,930 to keep a certain amount in theater, 446 00:18:04,449 --> 00:18:07,430 and there's, I think, ample recognition 447 00:18:07,430 --> 00:18:10,220 that when a crisis hits, you can never have too much. 448 00:18:11,420 --> 00:18:12,253 Alright, sir? 449 00:18:12,253 --> 00:18:13,560 - Hi, Lou Martinez with ABC. 450 00:18:14,246 --> 00:18:15,250 If I could just follow up on that, 451 00:18:15,250 --> 00:18:19,809 and another follow up to Colombia, so, if you don't mind. 452 00:18:19,809 --> 00:18:24,150 When you respond to disasters like this, 453 00:18:24,370 --> 00:18:27,210 do you find frustration that your clock 454 00:18:27,210 --> 00:18:29,940 can operate faster than the clock 455 00:18:31,100 --> 00:18:33,830 by those who are the agencies that are the ones 456 00:18:33,830 --> 00:18:36,230 that could request your assistance, for example? 457 00:18:36,560 --> 00:18:38,650 Because it takes time for them to go out 458 00:18:39,080 --> 00:18:42,730 and assess the damage, and to assess what's needed, 459 00:18:42,980 --> 00:18:45,860 when your forces are pretty much poised 460 00:18:45,860 --> 00:18:47,690 to respond fairly quickly, 461 00:18:48,060 --> 00:18:51,180 but you have to wait until you get that civilian-- 462 00:18:52,555 --> 00:18:55,610 - You know, I think none of our clocks move fast enough 463 00:18:55,770 --> 00:18:58,240 to meet the needs of the people 464 00:18:58,240 --> 00:18:59,870 who are directly impacted, 465 00:19:00,220 --> 00:19:05,060 and so we always have to keep that in mind, 466 00:19:05,060 --> 00:19:08,710 and do everything that we can to battle through, 467 00:19:09,093 --> 00:19:13,670 I think just the challenges of working in a system 468 00:19:13,670 --> 00:19:15,480 that, for all of the right reasons, 469 00:19:15,480 --> 00:19:17,000 has certain checks and balance placed, 470 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:19,600 put place, in order to make sure 471 00:19:19,675 --> 00:19:21,680 that the right decisions are made. 472 00:19:21,680 --> 00:19:25,090 At the same time, commanders are encouraged 473 00:19:25,090 --> 00:19:27,850 and in fact, expected to be leaning forward, 474 00:19:27,850 --> 00:19:29,230 as far forward as we possibly can, 475 00:19:29,230 --> 00:19:31,090 and so there's always gonna be a tension there. 476 00:19:31,090 --> 00:19:34,400 We will never be as fast as we certainly want to be, 477 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:37,530 but we understand from experience 478 00:19:37,530 --> 00:19:41,570 how to get to the people who make the decisions 479 00:19:41,570 --> 00:19:43,810 in as rapid a period as possible, 480 00:19:43,940 --> 00:19:46,310 and to be able to paint the picture 481 00:19:46,310 --> 00:19:47,330 as clearly as possible 482 00:19:47,330 --> 00:19:49,700 so that everybody has a shared understanding 483 00:19:49,700 --> 00:19:51,440 of exactly where the challenges are, 484 00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:53,480 where the resources could best be applied, 485 00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:56,300 and then to move out as quickly as possible. 486 00:19:56,970 --> 00:19:58,530 - And if I could follow up on Colombia, real quick. 487 00:19:58,530 --> 00:19:59,363 - [Kurt] Okay. 488 00:19:59,363 --> 00:20:00,540 - Can you tell us how many U.S. personnel 489 00:20:00,540 --> 00:20:02,740 there are there in Colombia right now? 490 00:20:02,920 --> 00:20:04,780 And what's their level of effort? 491 00:20:05,193 --> 00:20:08,040 Is it going to increase as the level 492 00:20:08,040 --> 00:20:11,660 of cocoa production has doubled over the last two years, 493 00:20:12,090 --> 00:20:12,990 year upon year? 494 00:20:13,630 --> 00:20:15,980 Does that mean that your forces there 495 00:20:15,980 --> 00:20:17,790 are gonna be more actively involved 496 00:20:18,190 --> 00:20:19,490 in the way they do things, 497 00:20:19,490 --> 00:20:22,062 or are there gonna be adjustments made to how they do it? 498 00:20:22,062 --> 00:20:27,062 - Yeah, I would say that the activities and efforts 499 00:20:28,740 --> 00:20:31,960 of our U.S. military people will continue 500 00:20:31,960 --> 00:20:33,340 to be what they have been, 501 00:20:33,340 --> 00:20:34,730 working very, very closely, 502 00:20:34,730 --> 00:20:38,580 and it is the redirection of efforts 503 00:20:38,580 --> 00:20:41,190 by the Colombian security services, the police, 504 00:20:41,338 --> 00:20:43,410 the armed forces, and other elements 505 00:20:43,520 --> 00:20:44,470 of the Colombian government, 506 00:20:44,470 --> 00:20:49,470 to apply greater resources into that particular mission. 507 00:20:50,370 --> 00:20:51,960 We will continue to work closely, 508 00:20:51,960 --> 00:20:55,090 but it's less at the kind of what I would say, 509 00:20:55,090 --> 00:20:59,840 the tactical level, and more at the institutional, 510 00:21:02,190 --> 00:21:04,660 helping to provide some of the conductivity, 511 00:21:04,660 --> 00:21:09,440 and some of the training and sharing lessons that 512 00:21:09,690 --> 00:21:11,120 learned with their forces. 513 00:21:11,120 --> 00:21:13,670 But when we're talking about Colombia, 514 00:21:13,670 --> 00:21:14,930 we're talking about a very, 515 00:21:14,930 --> 00:21:18,930 very experienced military force, police force, 516 00:21:18,930 --> 00:21:20,950 and so our activities are probably more 517 00:21:20,950 --> 00:21:23,410 in the information sharing, 518 00:21:23,410 --> 00:21:25,540 making sure that they've got 519 00:21:25,730 --> 00:21:27,760 the best information available to us, 520 00:21:27,760 --> 00:21:29,650 so that as they build out their picture, 521 00:21:29,650 --> 00:21:31,940 they're able to apply their resources 522 00:21:31,940 --> 00:21:33,840 and forces as effectively as possible. 523 00:21:33,980 --> 00:21:35,880 - [Man] Number of personnel there now? 524 00:21:36,890 --> 00:21:37,920 - Let me get back to you with on it, 525 00:21:37,920 --> 00:21:39,650 because I've got an approximate figure, 526 00:21:39,650 --> 00:21:42,590 and I don't want to give you a bad number. 527 00:21:43,070 --> 00:21:43,903 Right here. 528 00:21:44,600 --> 00:21:46,590 - Sylvie Lanteaume from AFP. 529 00:21:46,892 --> 00:21:49,790 I would like to ask you a question about Guantanamo. 530 00:21:50,390 --> 00:21:52,040 You said recently that Guantanamo 531 00:21:52,520 --> 00:21:57,120 was open to receive new prisoners. 532 00:21:58,060 --> 00:21:59,460 What is the capacity, 533 00:21:59,460 --> 00:22:03,620 in terms of the number of prisoners you can receive? 534 00:22:03,710 --> 00:22:06,620 And also, would it make it necessary 535 00:22:06,620 --> 00:22:11,510 for you to request more resources? 536 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:16,660 - So without going into the specifics, 537 00:22:17,720 --> 00:22:22,720 that we have the ability to receive more detainees, 538 00:22:22,850 --> 00:22:26,410 should the decision be made to send them to us. 539 00:22:26,850 --> 00:22:29,840 We, I think, it's pretty well understood right now. 540 00:22:29,840 --> 00:22:33,840 We have, less than 50 there right now, 541 00:22:33,930 --> 00:22:36,510 and that number could probably go up. 542 00:22:37,918 --> 00:22:41,190 We could accommodate a small number 543 00:22:41,190 --> 00:22:42,910 without any additional resources, 544 00:22:43,140 --> 00:22:45,550 but then, as the numbers continue to go up, 545 00:22:45,550 --> 00:22:48,880 now we would require a larger guard force. 546 00:22:48,880 --> 00:22:50,527 I think that's probably the best, 547 00:22:50,527 --> 00:22:53,760 and it's less the detention facility, 548 00:22:53,760 --> 00:22:56,110 as it would be to support all of the other, 549 00:22:56,110 --> 00:22:57,470 the Military Commission's activities, 550 00:22:57,470 --> 00:22:59,520 and the other sorts of things that go on. 551 00:23:00,680 --> 00:23:02,300 - Could it be a foreign fighter? 552 00:23:03,650 --> 00:23:05,000 - You know, we don't get in the business 553 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:06,610 of deciding who comes our way. 554 00:23:06,610 --> 00:23:09,110 We just are prepared to receive anyone 555 00:23:09,110 --> 00:23:10,300 that is ordered our way. 556 00:23:10,300 --> 00:23:11,270 - More than 100, sir? 557 00:23:11,270 --> 00:23:12,760 If I could just follow on that. 558 00:23:12,760 --> 00:23:14,720 When you say smaller number, help us understand that. 559 00:23:14,720 --> 00:23:17,430 - Yeah, I would say, probably, we could, 560 00:23:17,430 --> 00:23:19,030 without any additional resources, 561 00:23:19,030 --> 00:23:20,380 probably a couple of dozen, 562 00:23:20,784 --> 00:23:22,770 but beyond that, we would need to increase 563 00:23:22,770 --> 00:23:24,690 the size of the guard force, okay? 564 00:23:26,040 --> 00:23:27,600 - Hi, Admiral, Barbara Starr fromCNN. 565 00:23:27,600 --> 00:23:31,370 Can I ask you, I think you mentioned a couple times 566 00:23:31,900 --> 00:23:34,900 a few weeks ago that you had some military families 567 00:23:34,900 --> 00:23:37,210 who had children that day 568 00:23:37,460 --> 00:23:39,280 at Stoneman Douglas High School. 569 00:23:39,280 --> 00:23:41,680 I don't know if they were military or civilians. 570 00:23:41,760 --> 00:23:42,680 - Both, actually. 571 00:23:43,310 --> 00:23:44,880 - Could you just talk a little bit, 572 00:23:44,880 --> 00:23:46,430 now that some time has passed, 573 00:23:46,430 --> 00:23:47,870 tell us any more details, 574 00:23:48,120 --> 00:23:50,130 in terms of the families, 575 00:23:50,460 --> 00:23:51,800 how they're doing, you know, 576 00:23:51,800 --> 00:23:54,010 how many families, students, 577 00:23:54,010 --> 00:23:58,220 and if, to any extent, you feel the incident 578 00:23:58,220 --> 00:24:01,340 has resonated throughout your military family community? 579 00:24:01,490 --> 00:24:04,390 - You know, I don't have anything new to give you on that. 580 00:24:06,100 --> 00:24:06,933 We recognized. 581 00:24:06,933 --> 00:24:08,170 We immediately reached out 582 00:24:08,770 --> 00:24:10,070 when we heard of the incident. 583 00:24:10,070 --> 00:24:12,710 We knew that we had some people living in that area. 584 00:24:13,120 --> 00:24:14,810 I got a quick headcount, 585 00:24:14,810 --> 00:24:17,762 and we were enormously blessed 586 00:24:17,762 --> 00:24:19,240 that none of our people, 587 00:24:19,780 --> 00:24:24,780 that none of the children were more directly impacted, 588 00:24:25,070 --> 00:24:27,040 but I really don't want to comment any further than that. 589 00:24:27,040 --> 00:24:28,990 I think that's a local issue. 590 00:24:29,440 --> 00:24:32,540 - Can I also ask you a different issue? 591 00:24:32,890 --> 00:24:36,030 The department has talked about the impact 592 00:24:36,030 --> 00:24:39,180 of the DACA issue on military families. 593 00:24:40,260 --> 00:24:43,070 Secretary Mattis has talked about it, in particular, 594 00:24:43,180 --> 00:24:44,090 and I just don't know. 595 00:24:44,090 --> 00:24:49,090 Do you have any military, or again, civilian families? 596 00:24:49,640 --> 00:24:51,270 - Let me refer you to OSD on that one. 597 00:24:51,270 --> 00:24:52,340 As a combatant commander, 598 00:24:52,340 --> 00:24:55,220 that really isn't an area that we get involved in, okay? 599 00:24:55,870 --> 00:24:56,703 Sir? 600 00:24:56,703 --> 00:25:00,120 - [Man] Is MS-13 trafficking drugs to the United States, 601 00:25:00,120 --> 00:25:03,330 or partnering with DTOs in the region? 602 00:25:03,800 --> 00:25:06,880 Have you seen any change in their ability 603 00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:09,830 to smuggle narcotics in the United States? 604 00:25:09,830 --> 00:25:12,430 - I think what we are seeing is a partnership 605 00:25:12,430 --> 00:25:17,270 of a variety of different criminal elements, 606 00:25:17,620 --> 00:25:19,620 and, depending on the country 607 00:25:19,620 --> 00:25:20,950 and depending on the entity, 608 00:25:20,950 --> 00:25:23,960 they engage in different parts of the mission set. 609 00:25:24,330 --> 00:25:25,560 Sometimes, it's indirect. 610 00:25:25,560 --> 00:25:27,810 Sometimes, it's in the form of providing security. 611 00:25:27,810 --> 00:25:30,280 Sometimes, it's in the form of actual movement. 612 00:25:30,500 --> 00:25:33,721 Sometimes, it's directly in the trafficking. 613 00:25:33,721 --> 00:25:35,820 So without getting into kind of the, 614 00:25:35,820 --> 00:25:37,440 you know, the specific details, 615 00:25:37,490 --> 00:25:39,432 I would refer you better, I think, 616 00:25:39,432 --> 00:25:43,580 to Department of Justice on what the specific activities 617 00:25:43,860 --> 00:25:46,440 that that entity is engaged in, okay? 618 00:25:47,950 --> 00:25:48,783 Over here. 619 00:25:48,783 --> 00:25:51,320 - You mentioned, during your speech in the beginning, 620 00:25:51,320 --> 00:25:55,010 your comments about China operating in this hemisphere. 621 00:25:55,010 --> 00:25:56,200 Can you give me some examples 622 00:25:56,200 --> 00:25:57,670 of what you see China's doing? 623 00:25:57,670 --> 00:25:59,110 Is it more of an infrastructure thing? 624 00:25:59,110 --> 00:26:01,760 Is it more of any kind of military operations 625 00:26:01,760 --> 00:26:02,760 or anything like that? 626 00:26:02,760 --> 00:26:05,140 - I would say largely categorized 627 00:26:05,140 --> 00:26:06,760 under economic competition, 628 00:26:07,190 --> 00:26:10,520 engaged in very, very significant economic competition, 629 00:26:11,180 --> 00:26:14,150 and, you know, the most noteworthy ones, 630 00:26:14,150 --> 00:26:16,640 I think, that have come about recently, 631 00:26:16,830 --> 00:26:21,110 the significant investments that China's making in Panama. 632 00:26:21,770 --> 00:26:26,270 And so both infrastructure and attempting to, 633 00:26:28,460 --> 00:26:32,580 I think, seal deals in a variety of countries 634 00:26:32,602 --> 00:26:37,100 for the I.T. infrastructure, to install, 635 00:26:37,100 --> 00:26:40,990 and so it's an area where, more and more, 636 00:26:40,990 --> 00:26:42,120 they are coming in. 637 00:26:42,410 --> 00:26:44,190 The concern, obviously, 638 00:26:44,190 --> 00:26:48,100 that we point out to a number of countries is, 639 00:26:50,330 --> 00:26:54,500 with China, transparency of financial dealings 640 00:26:54,520 --> 00:26:56,920 is not always evident, 641 00:26:56,920 --> 00:26:59,890 and so, if you are concerned 642 00:26:59,890 --> 00:27:04,890 about how the banking deals are set up, 643 00:27:05,040 --> 00:27:07,245 what the terms are, 644 00:27:07,245 --> 00:27:10,240 whether they abide by all 645 00:27:10,300 --> 00:27:12,200 of the international norms and practices, 646 00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:14,360 that won't necessarily be obvious, 647 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:16,660 if you decide to deal with them. 648 00:27:16,660 --> 00:27:20,130 So, you know, it's the standard case of understand, 649 00:27:20,130 --> 00:27:24,530 you know, who is probably going to be here 650 00:27:24,530 --> 00:27:28,360 long after other partners leave and make, 651 00:27:28,410 --> 00:27:31,850 every country is a sovereign nation 652 00:27:31,850 --> 00:27:33,410 and has the ability to make the best deals 653 00:27:33,410 --> 00:27:34,243 that they can for them, 654 00:27:34,243 --> 00:27:35,730 but just recognize that sometimes 655 00:27:35,730 --> 00:27:37,640 there's more involved than just the initial sticker price. 656 00:27:37,640 --> 00:27:40,110 - Are you concerned with any kind of effort 657 00:27:40,110 --> 00:27:43,690 by China with infrastructure development 658 00:27:43,740 --> 00:27:44,800 it's doing in Panama, 659 00:27:44,800 --> 00:27:45,790 Doing something that would obstruct 660 00:27:45,790 --> 00:27:48,030 Panama Canal traffic or anything like that? 661 00:27:48,120 --> 00:27:50,400 - I would defer to the government of Panama 662 00:27:50,770 --> 00:27:52,240 and to our embassy there. 663 00:27:53,199 --> 00:27:54,550 - [Woman] Time for one more question. 664 00:27:55,450 --> 00:27:57,210 - I'd like to do, quick, 665 00:27:57,210 --> 00:27:59,580 two half follow up questions. (laughter) 666 00:27:59,580 --> 00:28:01,350 One is on his question. 667 00:28:01,900 --> 00:28:03,530 Is there any consideration or fear, 668 00:28:03,530 --> 00:28:05,880 somewhere in your mind or your colleagues', 669 00:28:05,880 --> 00:28:09,930 of China trying to establish a base in your region? 670 00:28:10,210 --> 00:28:11,080 And the second follow up, 671 00:28:11,080 --> 00:28:12,840 with regards to the terrorism and the mix, 672 00:28:12,840 --> 00:28:14,900 you said something, a really great quote about, 673 00:28:14,900 --> 00:28:18,420 you know, a kind of a mix of bad guys, 674 00:28:18,420 --> 00:28:20,820 of criminal elements, depending on the location. 675 00:28:21,320 --> 00:28:23,120 That area in South America, 676 00:28:23,120 --> 00:28:25,120 that triangle, that (mumbling) triangle, 677 00:28:25,640 --> 00:28:28,870 is it still a valid threat and concern? 678 00:28:29,600 --> 00:28:30,690 - It certainly is a concern 679 00:28:30,690 --> 00:28:32,290 to the countries that border it, 680 00:28:32,730 --> 00:28:35,590 and your first question? 681 00:28:36,060 --> 00:28:37,125 - It's about China's influence. 682 00:28:37,125 --> 00:28:38,660 Is there any, really, opportunity 683 00:28:38,660 --> 00:28:40,610 for China to establish a military base? 684 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:49,339 - I would just say it's something 685 00:28:49,339 --> 00:28:53,610 that is always worth paying attention to, 686 00:28:53,610 --> 00:28:54,740 watching closely. 687 00:28:55,030 --> 00:28:56,160 We have seen China make some 688 00:28:56,160 --> 00:28:58,240 very interesting moves geopolitically 689 00:28:58,760 --> 00:29:00,670 and establish bases in parts of the world that, 690 00:29:00,670 --> 00:29:03,405 previously, there was never any expectation 691 00:29:03,405 --> 00:29:05,600 that they might be there. 692 00:29:05,600 --> 00:29:06,980 So I would just say, you know, 693 00:29:06,980 --> 00:29:11,980 if we value this region, if we value our relationships, 694 00:29:12,720 --> 00:29:15,030 we must continue to pay very close attention 695 00:29:15,030 --> 00:29:16,170 to our relationships. 696 00:29:16,170 --> 00:29:17,720 We can't take them for granted. 697 00:29:18,260 --> 00:29:19,230 We've got good partners, 698 00:29:19,230 --> 00:29:23,340 but, ultimately, we have to be present 699 00:29:23,340 --> 00:29:24,770 in order to compete. 700 00:29:25,250 --> 00:29:26,083 - [Man] Thank you, sir. 701 00:29:26,083 --> 00:29:26,970 - - Thanks very much. 702 00:29:26,970 --> 00:29:28,170 Thank you all very much. 703 00:29:29,070 --> 00:29:30,370 I'll be back in a quarter. 704 00:29:31,430 --> 00:29:32,263 Thank you. 705 00:29:32,528 --> 00:29:35,195 - [Man] Thank you for coming in. 706 00:29:39,292 --> 00:29:42,959 (upbeat instrumental music)