Shangri-La Dialogue: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tells China talks essential to avoid crisis

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Saturday (Jun 3) used his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to press China for dialogue, after Beijing declined a meeting between the two countries' defence chiefs at the Asian defence summit.

“For responsible defence leaders, the right time to talk is any time, the right time to talk is every time, and the right time to talk is now. Dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity," Mr Austin said.

He added: "I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries."

Mr Austin said Washington would not stand for any “coercion and bullying” of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining status quo on Taiwan.

This is his full speech and the Q&A segment at the event. https://cna.asia/42llnPx

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