3-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Lloyd Austin, the United States Secretary of Defense, expressed deep concern on Saturday at China’s lack of willingness to engage in military crisis management, emphasizing that dialogue is crucial to prevent conflicts. The relationship between the US and China has reached its lowest point in decades, with significant divisions over issues such as Taiwan’s sovereignty, espionage allegations, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Speaking at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue, the leading security summit in Asia, Austin stressed the importance of open communication channels between US and Chinese defense and military leaders to avert conflicts and enhance stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
“I am deeply concerned that the People’s Republic of China has shown reluctance to engage more seriously in establishing better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries,” Austin stated during the meeting held in Singapore. “The more we engage in dialogue, the better we can avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crises or conflicts.”
China’s Minister of National Defense, Li Shangfu, declined an invitation to meet with Austin at the security summit. Li, who has been sanctioned by the US, is scheduled to deliver his own speech on Sunday.
While the two officials shook hands on the sidelines of the conference, the Pentagon confirmed that they did not engage in detailed discussions. Austin remarked, “A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for substantive engagement.”
“The United States does not seek a new Cold War. Competition must never escalate into conflict,” Austin asserted.
In response to Austin’s comments, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, issued a statement on Friday, saying that communication between China and the US could contribute to mutual understanding. However, the statement questioned the sincerity and significance of such communication in light of the US’s efforts to suppress China through various means and maintain sanctions on Chinese officials, institutions, and companies.
One of the most contentious security issues between the two superpowers is the future of Taiwan, a self-governing territory that China seeks to bring under its control. Concerns have been growing that China may launch an invasion of Taiwan, potentially drawing the US into a conflict.
Austin cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an example of “how dangerous our world would become if big countries could just invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity.”
He emphasized that the US is “deeply committed” to preserving the current status quo in Taiwan and opposes any unilateral changes from either side.
“Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today, and our responsibility is to maintain it that way,” Austin stated.
US military officials have previously mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the armed forces to develop capabilities for a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027. In response to a question about Xi’s plans, Austin clarified, “It doesn’t mean that he has made a decision to do that.”
Under President Joe Biden, the US has been strengthening ties with Asian allies, including Australia, Japan, India, the Philippines, and Taiwan. China has criticized Australia’s announcement in March to purchase US nuclear-powered submarines. Australia plans to invest A$368 billion (US$250 billion) over three decades in the submarine program as part of a broader security pact known as AUKUS, involving the US and Britain.
“(AUKUS) promotes greater stability and security,” Austin affirmed.
