U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Criticizes China At Shangri-La Security Summit

CNN: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as he criticizes China at Shangri-La security summit

Singapore CNN — 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 on Saturday, which is being attended by representatives from dozens of countries including China.

“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.”

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WNU Editor: China is also not holding back .... China blasts US after Washington says talks key

to avoid ‘crisis’ (Al Jazeera). More here .... Shangri-La Dialogue: Chinese general hits out at US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin over Taiwan (SCMP).

Update: At least they shook hands .... Defense Sec. Austin, Chinese military leader shake hands (Politico).

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Criticizes China At Shangri-La Security Summit

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