China becoming more 'coercive and aggressive', says US defence secretary at Shangri-La Dialogue | The Straits Times

SINGAPORE – United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin sharply criticised China’s “more coercive and aggressive” approach to its territorial claims in the Indo-Pacific in his first speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday (June 11). He promised to reinforce Washington’s partnerships in Asia even as he warned that the Ukraine war was a preview of turmoil that could follow if an international order rooted in rules and respect was flouted. Addressing an audience of defence ministers and top officials from Asia and Europe, Mr Austin also stressed Asean’s centrality in tackling security issues and referenced Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien…