Global Courant
SINGAPORE — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed Saturday that Washington would not accept any “coercion and intimidation” of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status-quo. quo on Taiwan and prefer dialogue over conflict.
Speaking at the so-called Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum that brings together top government officials, diplomats and leaders, Austin lobbied for support for Washington’s vision of a “free, open and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights.” as the best course to counter rising Chinese assertiveness in the region.
The US has expanded its own operations around the Indo-Pacific to counter sweeping territorial claims by China, including frequent transits and flights across the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea.
“We are committed to ensuring that every country can fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows,” he said at the forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. “And every country, big or small, must remain free to engage in legal maritime activities.”
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on Saturday.ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP – Getty Images
Austin noted that the US had provided millions of doses of the Covid-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic and is regularly involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in the region. He said it is working to combat climate change, illegal fishing and ensure supply chains are not disrupted – ticking off many issues of concern to countries in Asia and the Pacific.
“We’re doubling down on our alliances and partnerships,” he said.
He said the US is also committed to deterring North Korea’s missile threat and China’s claims to Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing says is its territory, and said Washington will increase defense planning, coordination and training with partner nations. in the region.
“To be clear, we are not seeking conflict or confrontation,” he said. “But we will not shy away from bullying or coercion.”
Chinese Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng, a senior member of the delegation accompanying Defense Minister General Li Shangfu, accused Austin of “overtly or covertly making false accusations against China” in his speech.
Speaking to reporters after Austin spoke, Jing claimed the US is “cheating and exploiting” countries in Asia and the Pacific to further its own interests and maintain “its dominant position” in the region.
He suggested that Washington has held on to alliances that are “remnants of the Cold War” and made new pacts such as the AUKUS agreement with Britain and Australia and the “Quad” grouping with Australia, India and Japan “to divide the world”. provoke ideologically driven camps and confrontations.”
Jing, who did not answer questions, said that “China, on the other hand, is committed to the development and prosperity of the region.”
Austin tried to assure China that the US remained “deeply committed” to the longstanding One China policy, which recognizes Beijing as China’s government but allows informal relations with Taiwan, and “continues to categorically oppose unilateral changes in the status quo from both sides.”
He added that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had served to underline how dangerous the world would be if major countries were able to “simply invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity”.
“Conflicts are not imminent or inevitable,” Austin said. “Deterrence is strong these days – and it is our job to keep it that way. The entire world has an interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
But Jing accused the US of undermining the One China policy, accusing Washington of supporting Taiwanese separatists without presenting any evidence, and repeating Beijing’s claim that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s sovereign territory” .
“There is no room for us to give in or compromise,” he said.
He added that “China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands of the South China Sea and adjacent waters.”
Li, who became China’s defense minister in March, declined Austin’s invitation to talk on the sidelines of the conference, though the two did shake hands before sitting on opposite sides of the same table when the forum held Friday. was opened.
Austin said this wasn’t enough.
“A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement,” he said.
Li, who was appointed defense minister in March, is under US sanctions that are part of a broad package of measures against Russia – but predating the invasion of Ukraine – imposed in 2018 over Li’s involvement in the purchase of fighter jets and anti-war aircraft by China. aircraft missiles from Moscow.
The sanctions, which broadly prevent Li from doing business in the United States, have not prevented him from holding official talks, US defense officials have said.
It was not clear if Li, who will address the forum on Sunday morning, was in the room while Austin spoke. He did later join the US Secretary of Defense and others for a ministerial round table.
Austin echoed calls made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his opening address at the forum for China to engage in regular, direct communication to help avoid potential conflict.
“For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime,” Austin said. “The right time to talk is any time. And the right time to talk is now.”
However, Jing said lines of communication should be based on “mutual respect.”
“But the US has called for communication on the one hand and undermined China’s interests and concerns on the other,” he said.
The US has noted that since 2021 – long before Li became defense minister – China has refused or failed to respond to more than a dozen requests from the US Department of Defense to speak with senior leaders, as well as multiple requests for ongoing dialogues and work – level assignments.
