US Defense Secretary: "While Focusing on the Middle East, China Advances Military Modernization"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin mentioned on the 16th that while the U.S. has been focused on Middle East issues, China has been expanding its military power.

According to APTN, Secretary Austin, who is visiting Japan, said at a press conference following the '2+2 meeting' between the foreign and defense ministers of the U.S. and Japan that day, "China remains a threat that the Department of Defense must continuously focus on."

He evaluated, "Over the past 20 years, we have inevitably concentrated on Middle East issues," and "While we focused on the Middle East, China modernized its military."

He pointed out, "China has engaged in hostile and, in some cases, coercive actions," adding, "Some of these actions were directed toward our allies in the region."

Secretary Austin emphasized, "Our goal is to ensure a competitive advantage over China or anyone else who wishes to threaten us and our allies."

He also highlighted cooperation with Japan in the global power dynamics competition, stating that many topics were discussed during the meeting, including North Korea's denuclearization and responses to China's hostile and coercive behavior.

He further stated, "The Department of Defense is always ready to support the hard work of diplomats," and added, "Diplomacy and defense complement each other, and together they make us stronger," expressing the view that diplomacy takes precedence over military power.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.