At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed the significance of U.S.-China military communication, regional security, and strong alliances. Austin’s remarks addressed the importance of preventing miscalculations, ensuring freedom of navigation, and reaffirming U.S. commitments to Indo-Pacific allies.
Dialogue with China
Maintaining open lines of communication between the U.S. and China is critical to avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations. Secretary Austin emphasized the need for direct military-to-military communication to prevent unintended conflicts.
Highlighting plans to resume telephone conversations between theater commanders and establish a crisis-communications working group by the end of the year, Austin underscored the importance of transparency and dialogue.
Recent Chinese military activity around the Taiwan Strait has raised concerns. Austin reiterated the U.S.’s adherence to its one China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances. The U.S. does not support Taiwan independence but maintains a vested interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Key Points in U.S.-China Relations
- Open Military Communication: Direct communication channels to prevent conflicts.
- One China Policy: Commitment to Taiwan Relations Act and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
- Regional Security: Addressing Chinese military activity and ensuring stability.
South China Sea and Regional Security
In the South China Sea, the U.S. remains committed to conducting operations in accordance with international law, ensuring freedom of navigation. Austin criticized China’s increasing provocative and destabilizing military actions near Taiwan. These activities threaten regional stability and violate international norms.
Austin also addressed Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting China’s support for Russia’s defense industry. Additionally, he expressed concerns over North Korea’s provocations, including recent missile launches and support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Avoiding Conflict with China
While tensions between the U.S. and China are rising, Austin stated that war with China is “neither imminent nor unavoidable.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue to manage tensions and prevent conflicts. Austin assured that the U.S. would continue to protect the rights and access of its allies to exclusive economic zones in the East and South China Seas, in accordance with international law.
Austin called for China to refrain from further destabilizing actions toward Taiwan and to engage in constructive dialogue. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to defending its interests and allies while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
U.S. Alliances and Partnerships
Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. He praised Philippine President Marcos for upholding sovereign rights under international law in potential confrontations with China in the South China Sea. Austin reassured that the U.S. stands by the Philippines as a treaty ally.
Regarding Singapore, Austin highlighted its status as a “major security cooperation partner” and valued defense partner of the U.S. He commended Singapore’s regional leadership and principled stance in supporting a rules-based order. Austin emphasized that the U.S. National Defense Strategy prioritizes collaboration with allies and partners to deter potential Chinese military aggression against Taiwan.
Cooperation in Critical and Emerging Technologies
The U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology Dialogue spotlighted several key areas of cooperation:
Technology Area |
Collaborative Efforts |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Launch of a joint AI governance group for safe innovation |
| Quantum Computing | Development of post-quantum cryptography methods and standards |
| Biotechnology | Advancing research in gene therapies and delivery systems |
| Critical Infrastructure | Promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and secure supply chains |
| Digital Economy | Developing a roadmap for digital economic cooperation |
| Defense Innovation | New MOU on defense innovation between the U.S. and Singapore |
In his opening remarks, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the importance of fostering open, accessible, and secure tech ecosystems to leverage emerging technologies for solving global challenges. The dialogue aims to enhance bilateral cooperation across these key areas, strengthening the technological capabilities of both nations.
Key Points in Regional Security
- South China Sea Operations: Commitment to international law and freedom of navigation.
- Support for Allies: Reaffirming U.S. commitments to the Philippines and Singapore.
- Technology Cooperation: Advancing AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology with Singapore.
Final Thoughts and Summary of U.S. Strategy
Secretary Austin’s remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlighted the U.S. commitment to regional security, open communication with China, and support for allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. By maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring freedom of navigation, and fostering technological cooperation, the U.S. aims to manage tensions and promote stability in the region.
- Military Communication: Preventing conflicts through open dialogue with China.
- Regional Security: Conducting operations and ensuring freedom of navigation.
- Alliance Strengthening: Supporting Indo-Pacific allies and advancing technology cooperation.
Sources: THX News, US Embassy Singapore, ABC News, Broadband Breakfast & US Department of Defense.
