 |
| Image Credit: Google |
Chinese
military officials expressed strong criticism of the speech delivered by United
States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue-2023 is
being held in Singapore.
Austin
emphasized the importance of open lines of communication and crisis management between
the China and US to avoid conflict and promote stability in the Asia-Pacific
region.
However,
Chinese officials quickly responded, accusing Austin of making false
accusations and disregarding China's core interests.
Concerns about
Chinese Unwillingness to Engage:
The US Secretary
of Defense expressed deep concerns regarding the People's Republic of China's
unwillingness to engage in more serious discussions on crisis management
mechanisms between the two powers.
He stressed
that increased dialogue could prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations
that may lead to a crisis or conflict.
Austin
specifically pointed out risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft by Chinese
planes in international airspace, stating that such behavior would not deter
the US.
Response from Chinese
Delegation:
In response to
Austin's speech, Senior Colonel Tan Hefei, spokesperson for China's defense
ministry, accused the US defense chief of making false accusations.
Another Chinese
delegation member, Senior Colonel Zhao Xiaozhuo, stated that Washington should
not dictate China's actions, emphasizing that the Chinese military's priorities
are centered around safeguarding China's security and core interests.
Contention over
Taiwan:
Lieutenant
General Jing Jianfeng from China criticized Austin's references to Taiwan,
asserting that there is only one China, and Taiwan is an integral part of
Chinese territory.
Jing accused
the US of undermining the one-China principle through increased exchanges with
Taiwanese officials, condoning separatist activities, and selling advanced
weapons to Taiwan.
Jing also
emphasized the Chinese PLA Army's readiness to defend China's sovereignty and
territorial integrity.
Strained
US-China Relations:
The article
highlights that relations between Beijing and Washington are currently at their
lowest point in decades.
Disagreements
range from issues of sovereignty regarding Taiwan to maritime disputes in the
South China Sea.
Austin drew
parallels to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the danger posed by big
countries invading their peaceful neighbours.
He reiterated
the US commitment to preserving the status quo in Taiwan and opposing
unilateral changes from either side.
Call for
Dialogue instead of Deterrence:
Secretary
Austin emphasized that the US does not seek conflict or confrontation but is
prepared to stand against bullying or coercion.
He stressed the
need for dialogue between defense and military leaders, considering it a
necessity rather than a reward.
Austin also
mentioned the importance of strengthening partnerships and alliances in the
region through military exercises and ensuring partners have the capability to
deter aggression.
Chinese
Perception of US Actions:
China perceives
many US actions as attempts to contain its influence and encircle the country.
The strained
US-China ties coincide with the ongoing summit, where tensions are rising.
The Chinese
embassy in Washington questioned the sincerity and significance of
communication, as the US continues to impose sanctions and take measures to
restrict Chinese entities, including in the area of high-end microchips.
AUKUS and
Beijing's Reaction:
The article
mentions the recent announcement of the AUKUS pact between the US, United
Kingdom, and Australia, which includes a significant submarine program.
While Austin
claimed that AUKUS promotes stability and security, Beijing sees it as another
attempt by the West to restrict China's growing global power.
Conclusive Flashpoints:
The speech
delivered by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue drew
strong criticism from Chinese military officials.
The
disagreements highlighted the lack of willingness to engage in crisis
management discussions and reflect the strained relations between the US and
China.
The article
also points out China's concerns over US actions and alliances that it
perceives as containment strategies.
The
geopolitical tensions between the two countries continue to pose challenges to
regional stability in the Asia Pacific.
(Courtesy:
Al-Jazeera)
0 Comments