At the Shangri-La Defence Forum, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed that war with China is neither imminent nor unavoidable, despite rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific. He highlighted the importance of renewed dialogue with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu to prevent miscalculations and misunderstandings. This meeting was the first high-level military contact since U.S.-China ties strained after Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 Taiwan visit. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that aggression in the South China Sea could provoke severe responses.
U.S. Defense Secretary Emphasizes Dialogue to Avert War with China
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