Austin says U.S. will continue push for open Indo-Pacific

THE United States will continue to work with regional allies to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, despite challenges emanating from China, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in Singapore. 

The Indo-Pacific is the U.S. military's No. 1 area of focus and China is the pacing challenge, Austin said. "As you look at our budget request … our budget request is directly linked to our strategy, and you see us continuing to invest in things that are relevant to our efforts in this region," he said.  

The United States continues to send its most modern and capable weapons systems to the Indo-Pacific. In addition, the Defense Department has budgeted more than $9 billion to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. DOD continues to invest in research for systems tailored to the region, including work on hypersonics, deterrence of cyberthreats and more. 

Austin was recently in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue – the premier meeting of defense ministers and experts in the region. He addressed reporters traveling with him soon after Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu spoke at the event. "I would just say that … it's interesting to listen to … what he says, what's most important is — watch what they do," Austin said, expressing his concern about China's "irresponsible behavior" in the South China Sea. "We've seen close intercepts and the coercive behavior … in the waterways," he said.  

He noted that, as he arrived in Singapore, there were reports of an incident where a Chinese ship came within 150 meters of the USS Chung Hoon and a Canadian vessel, which were transiting the Taiwan Strait. Two weeks ago, a Chinese aircraft intercepted a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft operating in international airspace. "I call upon leadership to really do the right things, to reign in that kind of conduct because I think accidents can happen that could cause things to spiral out of control," Austin said.  

Austin spoke of the April 2001, referring to the "P-3 incident" where a Chinese pilot rammed a Navy P-3 aircraft. The Chinese pilot died, and the Navy plane had to make an emergency landing on China's Hainan island. "In those days, we were talking to, and it was still very difficult to manage that crisis. Imagine now if something happens and we don't have clear communications how difficult that's going to be and what could happen in the short term," Austin said. 

He said it's interesting to hear what Chinese leaders have to say, but what they actually do is more telling. He noted the dangerous activities continue. The freedom of navigation operations the United States and other nations engage in are perfectly legal. "They should be interested in freedom of navigation, as well, because … it would affect them," Austin said.  

The Chinese also use the international commons. "If there are no laws, if there are no rules, things will break down for them very quickly as well," he said.  

Chinese defense leaders have refused invitations to meet with Austin. The Chinese said it's because the United States has sanctioned Li Shangfu. "I am personally sanctioned in Russia," Austin said. "But I can — if I want to — talk to the Russian minister of defense." (Jim Garamone)