Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu expressed his concern over the resurgence of Cold War mentality in the Asia-Pacific region during a security summit in Singapore.
Addressing Asia’s top security summit in Singapore on Saturday, Lee indirectly criticized the US for ramping up the arms race and meddling in other countries’ internal affairs. He emphasized the need for mutual respect instead of bullying and domination.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin responded by condemning China for refusing military talks, leading to a standoff between the two superpowers over territorial disputes in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
US-China relations have been strained by various issues, including Taiwan, the South China Sea and President Joe Biden’s ban on semiconductor chip exports. Despite shaking hands at a dinner, Lee and Austin did not have an in-depth conversation, despite repeated U.S. requests for more military exchanges.
Chinese military officials have said privately that Beijing wants clear indications of less confrontation from Washington before resuming military-to-military talks.
Lee also cautioned against establishing a NATO-like military alliance in the Asia-Pacific, warning that it would only create conflict and conflict in the region.
The Chinese Defense Minister emphasized the importance of open and comprehensive cooperation, highlighting the disastrous consequences of previous world wars and the need to prevent history from repeating itself.
“In fact, efforts to promote a NATO-like (alliance) in the Asia-Pacific are a way of hijacking regional countries and exaggerating conflict and conflict, which will only push the Asia-Pacific into a vortex of conflict and conflict. will give.” The Chinese minister noted.
“Today’s Asia-Pacific needs open and inclusive cooperation, not narrowing into small groups. We must not forget the terrible tragedies for people of all countries as a result of the two world wars, and we must take such tragic history as our own.” You should not be allowed to repeat. . . .