“Conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating,” Austin said Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security conference in Singapore. Such an escalation would affect the global economy “in ways we can’t imagine,” Austin warned.
Hence the warning
The day before, China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu had again threatened to conquer Taiwan. He will speak at the security forum on Sunday. China considers Taiwan part of the People’s Republic. The island republic, which has a population of 23 million, has had an independent government for more than seven decades.
The United States rejected a “unilateral change to the status quo,” Austin stressed. From his point of view, conflict is “neither imminent nor inevitable”. The United States is determined to maintain peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, which is so important to global shipping.
The Pentagon chief expressed concern over the lack of communication between the two superpowers China and the US, whose relations have reached an all-time low. Open communication links are especially important for military and defense politicians, Austin said. “This is the right time to talk.”
China accuses US of “false allegations”.
China has accused US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin of “false charges”. Responding to Austin’s speech at the Asian security forum Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chinese delegation spokesman Jing Jianfeng said on Saturday that the US Indo-Pacific strategy only continues the US policy of dominance.
According to Chinese state media, the US has provoked a confrontation between the blocs, the lieutenant general said. Out of self-interest, the US ignored the desire of states in the region for stability and put pressure on other countries. The US also increased its troop deployment, regularly engaged in targeted maneuvers, and provoked and undermined peace and stability. (cst/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
