**Australia Urges China for Clarity Amidst Military Expansion**

The call comes amid rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, with neighbouring countries expressing concerns over China's actions.

Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles is calling on China to clarify its reasoning behind what he describes as an "extraordinary military build-up." Speaking at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Marles underscored that China's military expansion has become a pivotal concern for security in the region. He emphasized the need for Beijing to provide transparency and assurances regarding its military intentions, labeling the situation as a "fundamental issue" for Asia.

Philippines Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. echoed that sentiment, criticizing China as "absolutely irresponsible and reckless" in its operations in the contested South China Sea. The remarks from both ministers were made during separate press conferences at the defence summit, which traditionally serves as a platform for debate between the US and China.

Marles highlighted the unprecedented nature of China's military growth, stating it is "the single biggest increase in military capability and build-up in conventional sense by any country since the end of World War II." He noted that the lack of strategic clarity from China exacerbates regional tensions, unlike Australia's approach to publicize its national defence strategies and intentions.

Stressing the importance of strategic transparency, Marles requested that China clarify why its military expansion is necessary. In addressing a recent Chinese military exercise near Australian waters, Marles acknowledged the exercise was conducted in accordance with international law but expressed that it could have been executed more considerately.

When questioned about increased defence spending in the Indo-Pacific, Marles acknowledged that Australia welcomes this direction, referencing the Aukus pact, which aims to enhance military collaboration with the UK and the US. He expressed optimism about ongoing projects, including the development of nuclear-powered submarines and increased US naval presence in Australia.

Teodoro further remarked on the confrontations between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, condemning China's tactics as aggressive. He conveyed a strong message advocating for the preservation of the international order, emphasizing that global leadership must come from Europe and the US.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously cautioned about China's "imminent" threat to Taiwan, prompting harsh backlash from Beijing, which accused Hegseth of making defamatory claims against China.

In a related moment, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Europe should collaborate with Asia as a strategic ally, drawing parallels between Taiwan's defense and the situation in Ukraine—comments that elicited a sharp rebuke from China, which considers Taiwan a core national issue.

The Shangri-La Dialogue has once again served as a vital venue for addressing the pressing security dynamics in a region marked by shifting power balances and increasing military posturing.