1-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) On Saturday, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin sought to redirect focus towards the threat posed by China in the Asia-Pacific region, amidst rising concerns that America’s involvement in Ukraine and Gaza might be overshadowing its security obligations in the Indo-Pacific. Austin’s remarks came during his speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.
Addressing the summit, Austin emphasised that despite ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific remains the United States’ primary theatre of operations. His speech aimed to reinforce the Biden administration’s commitment to the region as President Joe Biden’s first term nears its end, with re-election campaigns against former President Donald Trump on the horizon.
“Let me be clear: The United States can only be secure if Asia is secure,” Austin declared. “That’s why the United States has long maintained our presence in this region.” He highlighted the importance of alliances and the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue rather than coercion or conflict, taking an implicit stance against China’s actions in the South China Sea.
In a meeting on Friday with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, Austin attempted to ease tensions over issues ranging from Taiwan to China’s military activities in the South China Sea. Despite this, Chinese Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng criticised the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, claiming it aimed to “create division, provoke confrontation, and undermine stability.” Jing argued that the strategy served only U.S. geopolitical interests, conflicting with regional aspirations for peace and cooperation.
During their meeting, Dong warned Austin against U.S. interference in China’s affairs with Taiwan, a democratically governed island that China claims as its territory. Recently, Beijing has launched “punishment” drills around Taiwan, sending heavily armed warplanes and staging mock attacks following the inauguration of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te.
The United States has channelled tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, with a recent congressional appropriation of $61 billion more. Concurrently, it continues to arm Israel, with an additional $26 billion in support. Part of this extensive funding includes $8 billion earmarked for countering China in the Indo-Pacific.
South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik, in a later session at the summit, declined to comment on whether South Korea would amend its laws to directly provide aid to Ukraine. However, South Korea has transferred artillery ammunition to the U.S. and signed significant arms deals with Poland, both of which support Ukraine.
On Friday, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr condemned illegal and aggressive actions in the South China Sea, where China has increasingly deployed coastguard ships. The Philippines, a key U.S. ally with strong historical ties and close geographical proximity to China, finds itself at the heart of the escalating power struggle between Washington and Beijing.
The United States can be secure only if Asia is secure.
We have long maintained our presence in the Indo-Pacific for this very reason.
It’s also why we continue to make the investments necessary to meet our commitments to our allies and partners. pic.twitter.com/2KmBuvJccD
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) June 1, 2024
Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to its mutual defence treaty with Manila, denouncing the harassment faced by the Philippines as dangerous. He emphasised the U.S. aim to prevent tensions between Beijing and Manila from spiralling out of control. “America will continue to play a vital role in the Indo-Pacific, together with our friends across the region that we share and care so much about,” Austin stated.
In response, Jing claimed that such alliances contributed to regional instability. “It is natural for neighbours to bicker sometimes, but we need to resolve disagreements through dialogue and consultation rather than inviting wolves into our house and playing with fire,” he remarked.
