US defense secretary says Washington won’t stand for ‘coercion and bullying’ from China

On Saturday, Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Defense Secretary, asserted that Washington would not tolerate any intimidation or aggressive behavior by China towards its allies and partners. He reassured Beijing of the U.S.’s dedication to preserving the status quo in Taiwan and emphasized the preference for dialogue over conflict. His remarks were made at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, an annual event that brings together leading defense officials, diplomats, and leaders.

Austin championed Washington’s vision of an “open, free, and secure Indo-Pacific within a rules and rights-oriented world,” as the optimal strategy to combat the rising assertiveness of China in the region. The U.S. has been increasing its activities in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s broad territorial claims, including conducting regular naval and aerial operations in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Austin assured that the U.S. was committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight for all nations in areas where international law permits. He emphasized the necessity for all countries, regardless of their size, to be able to conduct lawful maritime activities freely.

During his address, Austin highlighted the U.S.’s contributions to the region, including the provision of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses and participation in disaster relief and humanitarian efforts. He also emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to combating climate change, illegal fishing, and ensuring the stability of supply chains, touching on several issues critical to the Asia-Pacific countries.

Austin also affirmed the U.S.’s dedication to deterring North Korea’s missile threats and China’s claims on Taiwan, stating that Washington has been intensifying defense planning, coordination, and training with regional partners.

However, Jing Jianfeng, a senior Chinese official, accused Austin of making false accusations against China. He alleged that the U.S. has been manipulating Asia-Pacific nations for its own interests and to maintain its dominant position in the region.

Austin assured Beijing of the U.S.’s continued adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo. However, Jing accused the U.S. of undermining the one-China policy and reiterated China’s assertion that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s sovereign territory.

Jing also claimed indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and the adjacent waters. He stated that China will not yield or compromise on these issues.

Austin invited China’s Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, for talks at the sidelines of the conference, but Li declined the offer. Austin expressed disappointment, stating that a cordial handshake was not a substitute for meaningful engagement.

Austin echoed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s call for China to maintain regular, direct communications to prevent potential conflicts. Jing responded that such communication needed to be based on mutual respect. He accused the U.S. of demanding communication while simultaneously undermining China’s interests and concerns.

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More about US-China Relations

• U.S. Department of Defense: Official statements by Secretary Lloyd Austin (www.defense.gov)
• Shangri-La Dialogue 2023: Full speech transcript of Lloyd Austin (www.iiss.org)
• Background on US-China Relations (www.cfr.org)
• Information on the One-China Policy (www.britannica.com)