Australia and Philippines Challenge China Over Military Expansion

Speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, both Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr voiced strong criticisms of China's military expansion, calling for transparency in its motives and actions, while stressing the importance of international law and regional cooperation.

Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles has urged China to clarify its "extraordinary" military build-up, calling it a "fundamental issue" for Asia. Addressing reporters at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Marles emphasized the need for transparency and strategic reassurance from Beijing regarding its military intentions. Concurrently, Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr criticized China's actions in the South China Sea, labeling them "absolutely irresponsible and reckless." The Shangri-la Dialogue, traditionally a platform for US-China discussions, has seen limited Chinese representation this year, leading to increased scrutiny from US allies.

Marles pointed out that China's military build-up represents the most significant expansion of military capabilities by any nation since World War II, noting not only its scale but also the lack of clarity surrounding its strategic intent. He cited Australia's approach of publicly sharing its national defence strategy and the importance of providing assurance to its neighbours as a model for expected transparency from China. Marles acknowledged concerns regarding a recent Chinese military exercise near Australian waters but stated it was conducted in line with international law.

Meanwhile, Teodoro reinforced the call for preserving a rules-based international order, urging the US and Europe to maintain their leadership roles in ensuring regional peace. He expressed alarm at China's aggressive posture in the South China Sea, where Beijing has claimed extensive territorial waters.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cautioned about China's "imminent" threat to Taiwan, which prompted strong condemnation from Beijing labeling the claims as defamatory. French President Emmanuel Macron also suggested that Europe could serve as a new ally in Asia, further complicating the dynamics in the region, especially as he drew parallels between the defence of Taiwan and Ukraine, which China rejected as inappropriate.

As tensions rise, Australia and the Philippines stand united in calling for accountability and transparency from China to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.