U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed serious concern on Saturday over China's unwillingness to engage in managing the military crisis between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of talks to prevent any conflict. During his remarks at a major security summit in Asia, Austin stated that opening communication channels between military leaders from the United States and China is crucial for enhancing conflict prevention and establishing stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
At one of the Shangri-La Dialogue meetings, the premier security gathering in Asia, Austin said, "I am very concerned about the People's Republic of China's lack of serious engagement in establishing better mechanisms to manage the crisis between our militaries." He added, "The more we talk, the more we can avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to a crisis or conflict."
A senior official from the People's Liberation Army disclosed on Saturday that China strongly opposes the remarks made by the U.S. Defense Secretary at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng also stated that Beijing reaffirms its unquestionable sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea and the surrounding waters.
Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu had previously declined an invitation to meet with Austin during the security summit. The relationship between the United States and China has reached its lowest point in decades, with the two countries remaining deeply divided on issues ranging from Taiwan's sovereignty to spying allegations and regional disputes in the South China Sea.
