Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region while addressing regional allies in Singapore. Despite the challenges posed by China, Austin emphasized that the U.S. military’s top priority remains the Indo-Pacific.
“Our budget request is directly aligned with our strategy, demonstrating our continued investment in endeavors relevant to this region,” Austin stated, underscoring the importance of the Indo-Pacific in U.S. defense planning.
The United States is actively deploying its most advanced weapons systems to the Indo-Pacific and has allocated over $9 billion to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. The Department of Defense (DOD) continues to prioritize research and development of tailored systems for the region, including hypersonic technology and cyber threat deterrence.
Austin’s remarks were made during the Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent gathering of defense ministers and experts in the region. Responding to the Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu’s comments at the event, Austin emphasized the significance of actions over rhetoric, urging observers to closely monitor China’s behavior.
Expressing concerns about China’s “irresponsible behavior” in the South China Sea, Austin cited recent incidents, such as close intercepts and coercive actions, as examples of worrisome conduct. He highlighted a recent encounter where a Chinese ship came within 150 meters of the USS Chung Hoon and a Canadian vessel in the Taiwan Strait, as well as a Chinese aircraft intercepting a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane in international airspace.
Calling upon China’s leadership to exercise restraint, Austin cautioned that accidents could escalate tensions and emphasized the need for clear communication channels to manage potential crises effectively. He referenced a previous incident in 2001 to illustrate the challenges of crisis management without reliable communication.
While acknowledging the importance of Chinese leaders’ statements, Austin underscored that their actions carry greater weight. He pointed out the continued dangerous activities in the region, highlighting that freedom of navigation operations conducted by the United States and other nations are legally permissible and mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
Despite Chinese defense leaders refusing invitations to engage in dialogue with Austin due to imposed sanctions, the secretary emphasized his willingness to engage in discussions with Russian counterparts despite his personal sanctions in Russia.
Spotlight: Focus on Indo-Pacific The United States remains committed to safeguarding freedom of navigation and upholding international rules in the region. Austin emphasized that adherence to these principles is equally vital for China’s own interests in maintaining stability and prosperity.