China accuses US Secretary of Defense of « provocative » in Singapore
China protests the United States over statements by Defense Minister Pete Heget, which he called « defamatory » and « deliberately provocative ».
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has accused Heget of ignoring calls for peace from Indo-Pacific countries, accusing him of using his remarks at the Singapore Dialogue Forum in Singapore for the spread of « Cold War Mentality » and increased tensions in the region.
The ministry said in a statement that Hegset had called China « threat », which they consider to be an attempt to « sow a division in the region ».
China has said the United States is continuing to deploy offensive weapons in the South China Sea, which claims to cause increased tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
During his speech on the Shangri-La dialogue, Hegset called on allies in the region, including Australia, to increase defense costs, warning of China’s « real and immediate threat ».
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to those calls, saying the Australian government had already pledged an additional $ 10 billion in defense.
China has also warned the United States not to « play with fire » when it comes to Chinese region Taiwan.
Singapore’s visit is Hegset’s second visit to the region since taking office in January, followed by a trip to NATO headquarters in Europe, where he warned the allies not to spend enough defense, Politico recalls.
