SINGAPORE – American Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Saturday that Washington will not tolerate any “coercion or bullying” by China of its allies, partners and friends. He also assured Beijing that the United States is committed in maintaining the status quo of Taiwan and that it would prefer dialogue to conflict.
Austin, speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue – a forum that brings together the top diplomats, defense officials and leaders – argued for Washington’s vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific in a world governed by rules and rights”, as the best way to combat the increasing assertiveness of China in the region.
The U.S. is expanding its activities in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s territorial claims. This includes regularly flying over Taiwan Strait, and sailing through.
He said, “We’re committed to making sure that every country is able to fly, sail or operate anywhere international law permits,” at the think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies hosted forum. “And all countries, big or small, should be able to engage in lawful maritime activity.”
Austin pointed out that the U.S. provided millions of doses the Covid-19 vaccination during the peak of the pandemic. The U.S. is also regularly involved in disaster relief efforts and humanitarian assistance in the region. He noted that the U.S. is actively working to combat climate changes, illegal fishing, and ensure supply chains are not disrupted — a list of many issues important to Asian-Pacific countries.
He said, “We are doubling down our alliances and partnership.”
He also said that the U.S. was committed to deterring North Korea’s missile threat, as well as China’s claims over Taiwan, an island democracy with self-government, which Beijing believes is its territory. Washington, he said, has increased defense planning, coordination, and training in partnership nations throughout the region.
He said: “To be clear we don’t seek conflict or confrontation.” “But we won’t flinch at bullying or coercion.”
Austin was accused by Chinese Lt. General Jing Jianfeng (a senior member in the delegation that accompanied Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu) of making “overt or covert false accusations” against China during his speech.
Jing, in a press conference after Austin’s speech, claimed that the U.S. had “deceived and exploited” Asia-Pacific countries to further its own interests to maintain “its dominant role” in the area.
He said that Washington was holding onto alliances which are “remnants” of the Cold War and creating new pacts like AUKUS with Britain and Australia, and the “Quad”, grouping Australia, India, and Japan, “to divide the globe into ideologically driven camps and provoke conflict.”
Jing, who did not take any questions, said, by contrast, that “China is committed to the development and prosperity of the region.”
Austin wanted to assure China that America remained “deeply commited” to its long-standing one China policy. This policy recognizes Beijing as China’s government but allows for informal relations with Taiwan. Austin also said the U.S. “categorically opposed unilateral changes to status quo on either side.”
He said that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia had shown how dangerous it would be for large countries to “just invade their peaceful neighbors without any consequences.”
Austin stated that conflict is neither imminent or inevitable. “Deterrence today is strong — and our job is to keep it this way. “The whole world is interested in maintaining stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.”
Jing, however, accused the U.S., of eroding the one-China principle, accusing Washington without providing any evidence of its support for Taiwanese secessionists, and repeating Beijing’s claim, that “Taiwan” is an unalienable territory of China.
He said, “We have no room to compromise or concede.”
He also said that “China has undisputed sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and adjacent waters.”
Li, who was appointed China’s Defense Minister in March, turned down Austin’s offer to speak on the sidelines, but the two shook hands and sat at opposite ends of the same round table as the forum began Friday.
Austin stated that this was not sufficient.
He said that a “cordial handshake at dinner” is not a substitute for an engagement.
Li, who became defense minister in march, is subject to American sanctions. These are part of an extensive package of measures taken against Russia, but they predate the invasion of Ukraine. They were imposed by the United States in 2018 because of Li’s role in China’s purchase from Moscow of anti-aircraft and combat missiles.
Officials from the US Department of Defense have stated that although Li is prohibited from doing business with the United States and from engaging in official discussions, he can still hold them.
Austin’s speech was not heard in the room. It is unclear if Li, the speaker who will address the forum on Sunday morning, was there. Later, he joined the American secretary of defense and other ministers for a roundtable.
Austin reiterated the call that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had made in his address to the forum to encourage China to have regular direct communication to prevent conflict.
Austin stated that “for responsible leaders in the defense industry, it is always the right time to speak,” Austin. Austin said, “The best time to speak is always.” “The right time to speak is now.”
Jing, however, said that communication lines should be based on “mutual respect.”
He said, “The U.S. is calling for communication on the one hand while undermining China’s interests and concerns” on the other.
The U.S. noted that China, since 2021 – well before Li was appointed defense minister – has refused or failed to answer more than a dozen U.S. Defense Department requests to speak with senior leaders as well as numerous requests for working level engagements and standing dialogues.
