Wei Fenghe issues threat at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore while US defence secretary denounces Beijing’s ‘destabilising’ actions
Taiwan’s foreign ministry denounced China’s “absurd” claims of sovereignty and thanked the US for the show of support. “Taiwan has never been under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government, and the people of Taiwan will not succumb to threats of force from the Chinese government,” said ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou.
In a speech on Saturday, Austin blasted China’s “provocative, destabilising” military activity near Taiwan and said the US would do its part to manage tensions with China and prevent conflict despite Beijing becoming increasingly aggressive in the Asia-Pacific region. He told the Shangri-La forum the US would continue to stand by its allies, including Taiwan.“That’s especially important as the PRC [China] adopts a more coercive and aggressive approach to its territorial claims,” Austin said.
Kishida said he would lay out a “free and open Indo-Pacific plan for peace” by next spring in which Japan would provide development aid, patrol boats, maritime law enforcement capabilities and other assistance to countries in south-east Asia and the Pacific to help them better guard themselves. He said the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region was deteriorating because of increasing tensions in the East and South China seas and around Taiwan.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its threat to use nuclear weapons had made things worse but the trend must be reversed, Kishida said, noting his position as the leader of the only country that has suffered nuclear attacks.
The threat may damage non-proliferation efforts by creating a reluctance among possessors of nuclear weapons to abandon them, and a desire among others to develop them, Kishida said. Austin also referred Ukraine, which has been a priority in Washington and other western capitals over the past three months. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is what happens when oppressors trample the rules that protect us all,” Austin said. “It’s a preview of a possible world of chaos and turmoil that none of us would want to live in.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China will ‘start a war’ if Taiwan declares independence, says defence ministerWei Fenghe issues threat at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, while Japan PM invokes Ukraine in announcing defence strengthening
Read more »
‘There is danger ahead’: Taiwan facing renewed threat from China
Read more »
China and US defence chiefs meet in-person to smooth relationship, but both sides trade barbs over TaiwanChina says the first face-to-face meeting 'went smoothly', but Beijing and Washington remain polarised over several volatile security situations and there was no evidence of any breakthrough on settling long-running disputes.
Read more »
Getting over the hassle of going out: ‘Select one or two things to start with’From cold weather to Covid-19 to cost, there are many reasons to stay in at the moment, but letting your social life wither can have real consequences
Read more »
No easy ride for Biden as Kimmel tells him to ‘start yelling at people’Serious questions on gun violence mean there are few laughs as US president meets late-night TV host
Read more »
Big business waiting in the wings to snatch start-up talentThe market for tech talent is still hot, but industry leaders say conditions will ease thanks to valuation pressures forcing founders to adjust growth plans.
Read more »