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Singapore — SINGAPORE (AP) — United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told a gathering of top security officials Saturday that war with China was neither imminent nor unavoidable, despite rapidly escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the importance of renewed dialogue between him and his Chinese counterpart in avoiding “miscalculations and misunderstandings.”
In a recent address at the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the significance of dialogue in preventing conflict with China, despite heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. His comments followed a crucial meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, marking a resumption of talks between the two nations’ defense officials.
Austin highlighted the necessity of communication to prevent misperceptions and miscalculations that could lead to a crisis. The discussions centered on critical issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea, where China’s expansive claims have sparked confrontations with neighboring countries.
As regional leaders express concerns over China’s military assertiveness, the U.S. remains committed to supporting allies while advocating for peaceful resolutions. Austin stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary escalations and underscored the value of maintaining open dialogue to address challenges collectively.
In an era of growing geopolitical tensions, diplomatic engagement and mutual understanding are key to averting conflict and safeguarding regional stability. It is imperative for global leaders to prioritize dialogue and cooperation to navigate complex security challenges effectively.\
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