Adm. John Aquilino, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander, speaks at a news conference at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, on June 30, 2022. Adm. Aquilino said Monday, Aug. 1, that he wants to expand and strengthen its ties with New Zealand. His visit to Wellington comes as the U.S. is looking to increase its presence in the region amid deep concerns over China's growing ambitions in the Pacific. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy, File)