Thread by @jseldin

"One only needs to look to #China's pernicious approach most recently on #HongKong & what they're doing to restrict civil rights" @INDOPACOM's Adm Philip Davidson tells reporters

"That's a tragic example of what can happen when an unchecked authoritarian gvt silences a ppltn"

"The #UnitedStates does not seek conflict nor do we seek to contain #China" per @INDOPACOM's Davidson "We're doing everything we can...to prevent conflict"

"But part of that calculus is that we've got to be ready to fight to win if we're called upon"

"We remain aware that we can certainly lose without fighting" per Adm Davidson "So a deterrent approach is critically important..."

"Aggressive actions&provocations...an element of what I observed to be a broader diplomatic, economic & information set of actions to advance it's strategic aims" per @INDOPACOM's Davidson "I believe that #China has kept this in their quiver & they meant to roll it out in 2020"

"They're [#China] using the #COVID19, frankly, opportunistically to advance their strategies" per @INDOPACOM's Adm Davidson

Possible drawdown of US forces in #SouthKorea - @INDOPACOM's Adm Davidson says its about capabilities

"I look at those capabilities to make sure that we're trying to provide the advantages necessary to fight tonight & fight and win when it comes to the #DPRK"

"The administration & the secretary haven't given me any orders to change any of that posture" per Adm Davidson

re #SouthKorea #ROK - #DPRK

"The secretary's made plain that he's reviewing posture around the globe" per @INDOPACOM's Davidson "They have not ordered any change out here...The capabilities that need to be preserved there, for our warfighting needs, our ability to fight tonight, are going to be my priority"