Australia's Defence Minister, Richard Marles, has urged China to clarify the reasons behind its significant military expansion, labeling the issue as fundamental for regional security.
Australia Seeks Explanation from China on Military Expansion
Australia Seeks Explanation from China on Military Expansion
Australia's Defence Minister calls for transparency regarding China's military growth amid rising tensions in Asia.
In a context of growing apprehension regarding China's actions in the South China Sea and the Pacific region, Marles emphasized the necessity of strategic transparency from Beijing. Speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue defense summit in Singapore, Marles argued that the military build-up represents the most substantial increase in military capability since World War II.
He stated, "What we have seen from China is the single biggest increase in military capability and build-up in conventional sense, by any country since the end of the Second World War." His remarks come amidst a backdrop of criticisms leveled against China by various defense ministers at the summit, including those from the Philippines, where Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr condemned China's actions as "absolutely irresponsible and reckless" in the disputed South China Sea.
Marles called upon China to offer clearer strategic intent to assure neighboring countries that military expansions are not aimed at aggression but rather for genuine security reasons. He defended Australia's domestic practices, highlighting that the country publicly shares its national defense strategy, thereby providing its neighbors with assurance and strategic clarity.
The defense dialogue this year saw a diminished presence from China, which sent a lower-level delegation and omitted its usual keynote address, prompting a stronger emphasis from the U.S. and its allies on addressing China's military growth and geopolitical strategies. Marles pointed out that Australia is committed to enhancing its defense capacity but emphasized that the country does so with a clear rationale for regional security.
In a separate discussion, Teodoro expressed concern over China's repeated aggressive tactics within the South China Sea, urging for an international consensus to preserve the rules-based order in response to such conduct. He further expressed solidarity with nations valuing freedom and called for a united front against perceived threats from China.
Additionally, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raised alarms about an "imminent" threat from China towards Taiwan, classifying Beijing's rise as hegemonic. China has dismissed these assertions and countered that the U.S. is the real force undermining peace in the Asia-Pacific.
As the dialogue continues, international leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron call for Europe to play a role in supporting Asia against potential threats, illuminating the intricate web of alliances and tensions that define the current geopolitical landscape.
He stated, "What we have seen from China is the single biggest increase in military capability and build-up in conventional sense, by any country since the end of the Second World War." His remarks come amidst a backdrop of criticisms leveled against China by various defense ministers at the summit, including those from the Philippines, where Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr condemned China's actions as "absolutely irresponsible and reckless" in the disputed South China Sea.
Marles called upon China to offer clearer strategic intent to assure neighboring countries that military expansions are not aimed at aggression but rather for genuine security reasons. He defended Australia's domestic practices, highlighting that the country publicly shares its national defense strategy, thereby providing its neighbors with assurance and strategic clarity.
The defense dialogue this year saw a diminished presence from China, which sent a lower-level delegation and omitted its usual keynote address, prompting a stronger emphasis from the U.S. and its allies on addressing China's military growth and geopolitical strategies. Marles pointed out that Australia is committed to enhancing its defense capacity but emphasized that the country does so with a clear rationale for regional security.
In a separate discussion, Teodoro expressed concern over China's repeated aggressive tactics within the South China Sea, urging for an international consensus to preserve the rules-based order in response to such conduct. He further expressed solidarity with nations valuing freedom and called for a united front against perceived threats from China.
Additionally, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raised alarms about an "imminent" threat from China towards Taiwan, classifying Beijing's rise as hegemonic. China has dismissed these assertions and countered that the U.S. is the real force undermining peace in the Asia-Pacific.
As the dialogue continues, international leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron call for Europe to play a role in supporting Asia against potential threats, illuminating the intricate web of alliances and tensions that define the current geopolitical landscape.
