SINGAPORE. China’s defense minister has criticized the United States for escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific through its support for Taiwan and the Philippines, even as he acknowledged the importance of renewed military communications between the two nations.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun emphasized the necessity of military-to-military communications with the U.S. amidst growing regional tensions. “We will not allow anyone to bring geopolitical conflicts or any war, whether hot or cold, into our region,” Dong declared through a translator. He added, “We will not allow any country or any force to create conflict and chaos in our region.”
Dong’s remarks come against the backdrop of China’s assertive claims over the South China Sea, a crucial global shipping route. These claims have led to multiple conflicts, particularly with the Philippines, whose vessels have been rammed by Chinese ships and targeted with water cannons. Dong maintained that China’s “strategic culture is anchored in universal love and non-aggression,” but he also issued a stern warning to the Philippines, which has grown increasingly pro-American since the election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022.
Marcos Jr.’s administration, facing heightened territorial tensions with China, has sought new security alliances with various Asian and Western countries and permitted an expanded U.S. military presence at more Philippine bases under a 2014 defense agreement. Dong accused the Philippines of deliberate provocation, “emboldened by outside powers,” and asserted that China has shown significant restraint. “But there is a limit to our restraint,” he warned.
In contrast, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America’s “ironclad” support for the Philippines on Saturday, lauding Marcos’ speech at the forum as a powerful defense of Philippine sovereignty under international law. Austin also highlighted the importance of renewed military-to-military communications with China to avoid misunderstandings and prevent incidents from escalating. “There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air… But our goal is to make sure that we don’t allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily,” Austin said.
Dong, a former naval commander appointed in December following the abrupt removal of his predecessor Li Shangfu, held in-person talks with Austin on Friday. These were the first high-level defense discussions between the two countries since military contacts broke down in 2022 after then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan angered Beijing.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. While the U.S. does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it is legally obligated to provide the island with defensive capabilities. Washington is Taiwan’s largest supplier of military hardware, and U.S. congressional delegations frequently visit Taiwanese leaders.
Dong reiterated that China remains open to exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. military, but noted that this requires efforts from both sides. He accused the U.S. of emboldening Taiwan’s government, which rejects Beijing’s claims over the island, by supporting incremental moves towards independence. “We will take resolute actions to curb Taiwan independence and make sure such a plot never succeeds,” Dong said, adding, “Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
