America and Defense Cooperation in East Asia

At a time of rising tension in the South and East China Seas and growing instability in East Asia, what role will the U.S.’s recent “Pacific pivot” play in reassuring allies and deterring aggression?

On September 23rd, David Helvey, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, discussed his recent trip to this vital region, as well as the prospects for enhancing collective security and strategic stability. Hudson President and CEO Kenneth Weinstein moderated the discussion.

David F. Helvey was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs on December 31, 2012. Prior assignments in the Office of the Secretary of Defense include Principal Director for East Asia; Country Director for China; Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia; and Senior Advisor for China Policy and Integration. Mr. Helvey was previously assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency as a China military-political affairs analyst in the China Strategic Issues Division, Office of China and East Asia. He also served as DIA’s Senior Intelligence Analyst for China military-political affairs.