4-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) China’s Defence Minister, Li Shangfu, issued a warning on Sunday at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, cautioning against the establishment of “NATO-like” military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Li, such alliances would lead to a “whirlpool” of conflict and disputes. He stated that the Asia-Pacific needs open and inclusive cooperation, rather than forming exclusive cliques. Li highlighted the devastating consequences of past world wars and emphasized the importance of preventing history from repeating itself.
While Li did not explicitly name any country, his remarks appeared to be directed at the United States, which has been strengthening its alliances and partnerships in the region. The United States is part of the AUKUS alliance, along with Australia and Britain, as well as the QUAD group, which includes Australia, India, and Japan.
Li stressed that there is ample space in the world for both China and the United States to grow together. He acknowledged the differences between the two countries but emphasized the importance of seeking common ground and shared interests to enhance bilateral ties and deepen cooperation. He warned that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the United States would be a disastrous outcome for the world.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated in recent times due to various issues, including disputes over Taiwan’s status, territorial disagreements in the South China Sea, and trade restrictions imposed by President Joe Biden on semiconductor chip exports.
In the latest development, China’s military criticized the United States and Canada for deliberately provoking risks after the two countries’ navies conducted a joint sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Saturday.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in his speech at the security meeting, rebuked China for its refusal to engage in military talks, contributing to a deadlock in resolving their differences.
While Li’s speech was more restrained, he indirectly criticized the United States, accusing “some countries” of intensifying an arms race and interfering in the internal affairs of others. He warned against the resurgence of a Cold War mentality and emphasized the need for mutual respect instead of bullying and hegemony.
Li, who was sanctioned by the United States in 2018 for weapons purchases from Russia, briefly interacted with Secretary of Defense Austin during a dinner, but no substantive discussions took place. Chinese military officers expressed privately that Beijing expects clear indications from Washington of a less confrontational approach in Asia, including the lifting of sanctions against Li, before military-to-military talks can resume.
The tensions between China and the United States continue to pose challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, with both countries expressing differing perspectives and interests.
