U.S. defense chief warns of China's aggression, calls for dialogue

by KYODO NEWS
June 1, 2024

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Saturday of China's coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region while underscoring the need for dialogue to avoid conflict.

"The harassment that the Philippines has faced is dangerous, plain and simple," he said in a speech at the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.

"We all share an interest in ensuring that the South China Sea remains free and open," he added, apparently referencing a series of aggressive Chinese moves against Philippine ships.

But he also stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue between militaries, saying, "There's no substitute for open lines of communication to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations."