China warns 'NATO-like' alliances could lead to conflict in Asia-Pacific
The Hindu
China’s defence minister warned against establishing NATO-like military alliances in the Asia-Pacific, saying they would plunge the region into a “whirlpool” of conflict.
China's Defence Minister warned June 4 against establishing NATO-like military alliances in the Asia-Pacific, saying they would plunge the region into a "whirlpool" of conflict.
Li Shangfu's comments came a day after U.S. and Chinese military vessels sailed close to each other in the flashpoint Taiwan Strait, an incident that provoked anger from both sides.
"Attempts to push for NATO-like [alliances] in the Asia-Pacific is a way of kidnapping regional countries and exaggerating conflicts and confrontations," Mr. Li told a security conference in Singapore also attended by U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Mr. Li warned that these alliances would "plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts".
Mr. Li's comments echoed long-held Chinese criticism of the United States' efforts to shore up alliances in the region and counter China's rise.
The United States is a member of AUKUS, which groups it with Australia and Britain.
Washington is also a member of the QUAD group, which includes Australia, India and Japan.
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