Marles emphasized the unprecedented scale of China's military enhancement, citing it as the most significant increase by any nation since World War II. He called for greater strategic transparency from Beijing, stating that Australia's defense strategy exemplifies the type of clarity and assurance that countries in the region desire. Marles pointed out that the lack of strategic intent behind China's military actions raises concerns among its neighbors.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Philippines Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr accused China of being "absolutely irresponsible and reckless" regarding its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Teodoro highlighted the need for maintaining the international order and expressed dissatisfaction over China's aggressive tactics against the Filipino coast guard.
During the summit, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of a looming threat from China toward Taiwan, describing Beijing as a hegemonic power in the region. China strongly refuted Hegseth's allegations, claiming that the US itself was the primary destabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific.
Elsewhere, French President Emmanuel Macron underscored Europe's potential as a new ally to Asia while criticizing China's comments on Taiwan. The summit notably saw a diminished Chinese presence, limiting their dialogue and leading to increased scrutiny from the US and allied nations.
As defense ministers convened to address these critical issues, the calls for robust collaboration and transparency in military practices became increasingly evident to safeguard regional stability.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Philippines Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr accused China of being "absolutely irresponsible and reckless" regarding its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Teodoro highlighted the need for maintaining the international order and expressed dissatisfaction over China's aggressive tactics against the Filipino coast guard.
During the summit, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of a looming threat from China toward Taiwan, describing Beijing as a hegemonic power in the region. China strongly refuted Hegseth's allegations, claiming that the US itself was the primary destabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific.
Elsewhere, French President Emmanuel Macron underscored Europe's potential as a new ally to Asia while criticizing China's comments on Taiwan. The summit notably saw a diminished Chinese presence, limiting their dialogue and leading to increased scrutiny from the US and allied nations.
As defense ministers convened to address these critical issues, the calls for robust collaboration and transparency in military practices became increasingly evident to safeguard regional stability.
