At a recent conference in Singapore, senior military officials from the United States and China presented competing visions for Asia’s future security. The US advocated for a U.S.-led safety net of well-armed partnerships to tame the growing might of China. They argued that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine showed the urgency for Asia to embrace this network of alliances. In contrast, China presented a future international order where China was the dominant power. They presented Beijing as confident in its political, economic, and military power to keep Asia stable. Citing interference in regional affairs, frequent use of unilateral sanctions and armed coercion, General Li criticized the United States and its allies. Li also downplayed the recent incident involving a U.S. naval destroyer and a Chinese Navy ship, referring to it as a near miss.
Conflict risks in Asia between the United States and China are rising, with both countries seeking to influence the future geopolitical landscape. The annual Shangri-La Dialogue forum, which featured defense ministers from Ukraine, Britain, Germany, and Canada, highlighted these concerns. Many European officials urged their governments to become more involved in Asian security to protect their economies. However, China rejected this idea and accused the United States of trying to establish an Asian-Pacific version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Asian countries that have toggled between leaning toward Washington and Beijing expressed skepticism about China’s intentions. They cited several recent cases of aggressive behavior by the Chinese Coast Guard, including harassment of fishing boats in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. This wariness about China’s ambitions has prompted the US and its allies in the region to strengthen military ties with each other.
Although General Li wanted to strike a more amicable tone at the forum, he warned that China would not hesitate in defending its rights and interests. He also quoted a proverb to send a message that China is ready to defend against any “jackals and wolves” that come their way.
