China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu expressed concern over the establishment of NATO-like military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, arguing that this could trigger an increase in conflicts. These statements came a day after an incident in the Taiwan Strait, where Chinese and US military vessels operated in dangerous proximity, generating tensions between the two powers.
Li made the remarks during the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore, where his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, was also present. The Chinese minister affirmed that promoting NATO-type alliances in the Asia-Pacific is tantamount to coercing countries in the region and exacerbating conflicts and confrontations. He warned that such alliances would only plunge the Asia-Pacific into a maelstrom of disputes and conflicts. While he did not mention any particular country, he seemed to be referring to the United States, which has been strengthening its alliances in the region.
The United States is part of the AUKUS alliance, along with Australia and the United Kingdom, and also participates in the QUAD group with Japan, India, and Australia. Li emphasized that, at present, Asia-Pacific needs open and inclusive cooperation rather than grouping in small circles. He also stressed the importance of not forgetting the serious disasters that the two world wars caused to the people of all countries and of avoiding repeating such a tragic history.
These statements reflect China’s concerns about the strengthening of US-led alliances in the Asia-Pacific region and highlight the tension between the powers on strategic and security issues.