United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized during a conference with top security officials over the weekend that the possibility of war with China is not immediate nor inevitable, despite heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
He underlined the significance of resuming dialogue with his Chinese counterpart in order to prevent “miscalculations and misunderstandings.”
Austin’s remarks at the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore followed his meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, marking the first face-to-face discussion between the top defense officials since interactions between the American and Chinese militaries ceased in 2022 following the visit of then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, which angered Beijing.
Both sides remained unwavering in their stances regarding Taiwan and China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, which have resulted in direct clashes between China and other countries in the region, particularly the Philippines.
While not disclosing the specifics of their talks, Austin stressed the significance of renewed communication between the two nations.
“As long as there is dialogue, we can address contentious issues and establish measures to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations… that could escalate out of control,” he stated.
“You can only take such actions if there is an open line of communication.”
Speaking at the same forum the previous evening, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr warned of potential consequences, stating that the death of a Filipino in clashes between China’s coast guard and the Philippines’ naval fleet over territorial disputes in the South China Sea would be considered “almost an act of war,” prompting a corresponding response.
Marcos stated that he presumed the treaty partners of the Philippines, including the U.S., adhere to the same standard. Austin, in his own speech, praised Marcos for his powerful advocacy of the Philippines’ sovereign rights under international law. However, when questioned further, he declined to speculate on how the U.S. would respond if a Filipino were killed in a confrontation with China, deeming it a hypothetical scenario.
He did affirm that the U.S. remains firmly committed to the Philippines as a treaty partner, emphasizing the significance of engaging in dialogue with China.
“We acknowledge that various incidents can occur at sea or in the air,” he remarked. “Nevertheless, our objective is to prevent unnecessary escalation.”
In recent years, Beijing has significantly expanded its naval capabilities and has become increasingly assertive in asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has been intensifying military exercises in the region alongside its allies to underscore its vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” which emphasizes the freedom of navigation in disputed waters, including the Taiwan Strait.
Reflecting the concerns of some in the region, Indonesian academic Dewi Fortuna Anwar expressed that any reduction in tensions would be highly welcomed. However, she questioned whether the U.S. would permit China’s assertive military posture to go unchallenged if its primary focus was now on dialogue.
“We are also concerned that if you become too accommodating, we will also be disregarded,” she cautioned.
Austin emphasized that the resolution of many of these issues lies in diplomatic discussions. He also affirmed that the United States will persist in safeguarding the rights of nations in the area and ensuring their access to their exclusive economic zones.
Austin stated, “I do not believe that a conflict or confrontation with China is on the horizon or inevitable.”
He added, “Leaders of major powers must collaborate to minimize the chances of misjudgments and misinterpretations. Not all dialogues will be pleasant, but maintaining communication is crucial. Equally important is our support for the interests of our allies and partners.”
