US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during the meetings of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's most prominent security gathering, in Singapore that he is deeply concerned about China's unwillingness to participate, stressing the importance of the talks to avoid any crisis, amid strong opposition from China to Austin's remarks.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said, on Saturday, that he is deeply concerned about China's unwillingness to participate in managing the military crisis between the two countries, stressing the importance of talks to avoid any conflict.
The relationship between the United States and China is at its lowest point in decades, as the two countries remain deeply divided over everything from the question of Taiwan's sovereignty to espionage issues and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Austin said during his speech at the most prominent security summit in Asia that opening lines of communication between military leaders from the United States and China is necessary to enhance the prevention of conflicts and to consolidate stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
"The more we talk, the more we can avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict," Austin added.
A few days ago, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu refused to accept an invitation to meet with Austin during the security summit, and Lee, the general under US sanctions, will deliver his speech on Sunday.
Taiwan conflict
One of the thorniest security issues between the two superpowers is over the future of self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing wants to bring under its rule.
Fears are growing that China might invade Taiwan as the United States enters into any conflict that might occur.
Austin said the United States is "firmly committed" to preserving the status quo in Taiwan and opposing unilateral changes from either side.
"Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable," Austin added. "Deterrence is strong today, and our job is to keep it that way."
China opposes Austin's remarks
A senior Chinese People's Liberation Army official said Saturday that China strongly opposes the US Secretary of Defense's remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue that Beijing is unwilling to participate in managing the military crisis.
Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng also said that Beijing asserts indisputable sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea and adjacent waters.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said today, Saturday, during meetings of the Shangri-La Dialogue, the most prominent security gathering in Asia, in Singapore, that he is very concerned about China's unwillingness to participate, stressing the importance of the talks to avoid any crisis.
Ten thousand Quebecers flee Canada due to wildfires : Forest fires
Forest fires swept through more Canadian provinces, forcing about ten thousand residents of the coastal city of Quebec, Canada, to evacuate their homes on Friday, in what is one of the worst beginnings of the forest fire season. Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonardelle said he had asked for the army's help.
About 10,000 residents of Canada's port city of Quebec were forced to evacuate their homes on Friday after wildfires ravaged more of Canada's provinces in what marked one of the worst starts to the wildfire season.
And the mayor of Quebec declared a state of emergency in the city, as the risk of wildfires prompted evacuation orders for the area.
Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonardelle said he had reached out to the federal government to ask for the army's help.
The Canadian Armed Forces have been deployed to the west of the country since early May and troops were sent to Nova Scotia on Thursday. Aid also came from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. More aid is expected next week.
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