Austin criticises China’s ‘aggressive’ stance in Indo-Pacific

He warns of Ukraine-like turmoil if world order rooted in rules and respect is flouted

- Bhagyashree Garekar

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin yesterday sharply criticised China’s “more coercive and aggressive” approach to its territorial claims in the Indo-Pacific, drawing a reflexive rebuttal from China.

In his first speech at the ongoing Shangri-La Dialogue, Mr Austin promised to reinforce Washington’s partnerships in Asia while warning that the Ukraine war was a preview of turmoil that could follow if an international order rooted in rules and respect was flouted.

He also stressed Asean’s centrality in tackling security issues and referenced Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s long-held stance that Asean nations must not feel pressured to choose between the US and China as their rivalry heats up.

The US would stay inclusive in its approach, expand cooperation with allies and partners, and work in tandem with new and existing regional institutions, he said.

“We seek inclusion, not division. We seek cooperation, not strife. And that means we’re following the wise counsel from PM Lee, who argues that nobody should force binary choices on the region. He’s right. Our fellow Indo-Pacific nations should be free to choose, free to prosper and free to chart their own course.”

His hour-long speech contained several forceful criticisms of China which he referred to by its formal name, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).