Taiwan war would be ‘devastating’
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A war over Taiwan would be "devastating" and affect the global economy "in ways we cannot imagine," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned, as he underlined US support for the island democracy.
"Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today – and it's our job to keep it that way," Austin said in remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit yesterday, which is being attended by representatives from dozens of countries including China.
Austin's comments came at a tense time for relations between the US and China, as China recently rejected an offer from Austin to meet at the summit in Singapore, citing US sanctions on Chinese officials and companies.
Austin addressed the lack of communication in his speech yesterday, saying that he is "deeply concerned" that China "has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management."
"For responsible leaders, the right time to talk is anytime. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now," Austin said. "Dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity."
Austin on Taiwan further said, "the whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it. And so does freedom of navigation worldwide. Make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating."
In a question and answer session after his speech, Austin added: "Conflict in the Taiwan Strait would affect the global economy in ways we cannot imagine."
Shortly after Austin spoke, Chinese People's Liberation Army Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told China's state broadcaster CCTV that the US defense chief's comments on Taiwan were "completely wrong."
Jing accused Washington of trying to "consolidate hegemony and provoke confrontation," adding that US actions were damaging regional peace and stability.
Yesterday afternoon, a US Navy spokesperson said US and Canadian warships were sailing through the Taiwan Strait while the discussions were going on in Singapore.
The transit by the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon and frigate HIMCS Montreal was routine and occurred "through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law," US Navy spokesperson Lt Kristina Wiedemann said in a statement.
"Cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region where aircraft and ships of all nations may fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," the statement added.
Austin in his speech alsocriticised China for its "alarming number of risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft" in international airspace, Austin added that the US would support allies and partners against "coercion and bullying."
A Chinese J-16 fighter cuts directly in front of the nose of the US RC-135 Rivet Joint on May 26th, forcing the US aircraft to fly through the wake turbulence of the intercepting aircraft.
US says Chinese jet conducted 'unnecessarily aggressive maneuver' intercepting US spy plane over South China Sea
"We do not seek conflict or confrontation," Austin said. "But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion."
Austin reaffirmed US readiness in the region.
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