Pentagon Chief Warns of Imminent China Threat, Urges Regional Allies to Bolster Defense
SINGAPORE:
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued a stark warning on Saturday about the escalating threat posed by China, urging America’s Indo-Pacific allies to significantly increase their defense investments to counter Beijing’s growing military assertiveness.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Austin emphasized that China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and across the Taiwan Strait demand a unified and strengthened regional response. He noted that the Chinese military’s modernization, expanding naval presence, and pressure on Taiwan signal an imminent strategic threat.
“The Indo-Pacific is a priority theater for the United States. We must stay vigilant and enhance our collective deterrence,” Austin said, calling on partners such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia to expand military capabilities, enhance interoperability, and deepen security alliances.
The Pentagon chief reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to regional stability and freedom of navigation, stressing the need for shared investment in defense technologies and infrastructure to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Austin’s remarks come amid rising tensions in US-China relations and growing concerns among Asian nations about China’s long-term intentions in the region. His message was clear: deterrence through collective strength is the best safeguard against future conflict.
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