During the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, June 1st, high-ranking military officials from the United States and China clashed over the issue of establishing an “Asian NATO”. US Defense Secretary Austin spoke on the theme of “New Convergence in the Indo-Pacific,” emphasizing the concept of enhancing deterrence capabilities among regional allies. On the other hand, Chinese military officer Jing Jianfeng criticized the US for attempting to create an “Asian NATO,” highlighting the tension between the two superpowers.
Austin emphasized in his speech that the US and its Indo-Pacific allies have forged a historic “New Convergence.”
“Today, we are witnessing a ‘New Convergence’ across almost all aspects of security in the Indo-Pacific region,” Austin said. “This ‘New Convergence’ is creating a stronger, more resilient, and more capable network of partnerships, defining a new era of security in the Indo-Pacific.”
“This New Convergence is not about a single alliance or coalition, but something unique to the Indo-Pacific – a series of initiatives and institutions that overlap and complement each other driven by a common vision and sense of mutual obligation.”
Austin’s “Indo-Pacific New Convergence” speech sparked reactions in Beijing. Jing Jianfeng, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, criticized the US’s Indo-Pacific strategy as an attempt to unite various small circles into a “Asian NATO,” aiming to maintain US-led hegemony.
Jing also accused the US of disrupting regional stability, coercing regional countries to align with the US, and forcing countries to choose sides.
US officials refuted the Chinese accusations, stating that investments in national security by US allies in the region were necessitated by Chinese aggressive behavior.
According to the Financial Times, a senior US defense official stated, “Countries in the region believe that strengthening cooperation among themselves and with the United States serves their national security interests. Any view that this is manipulation or destabilizing by the United States is an insult to these regional countries and genuinely ignores the underlying trends driving such behavior.”
Jing Jianfeng’s accusations against the US are not new. The Chinese Communist Party has been propagating similar narratives for years. In actuality, Austin’s speech serves as a robust response to Chinese allegations.
“The ‘New Convergence’ in the Indo-Pacific means unity, not division. It is not about imposing the will of one nation on others but awakening our common mission,” the US Defense Secretary said. “It is not about bullying or coercion but about the free choice of sovereign nations. It means good nations coming together around our shared interests and cherished values.”
During the question and answer segment at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Chinese military officer Cao Yanzhong asked Austin whether the US was planning to establish a NATO-like alliance system in the Asia-Pacific region. Citing the crisis in Ukraine resulting from NATO’s eastward expansion, he inquired about the potential impact of a reinforced alliance system in the Asia-Pacific region on security and stability.
“I disagree with your view that NATO’s expansion led to the crisis in Ukraine,” Austin countered Cao’s statement, earning applause from the attendees.
“The cause of the Ukraine crisis clearly stems from Mr. Putin’s illegal invasion of a neighboring country with weaker military capability. He believed he could quickly defeat his neighbor and annex the country. This happened over two years ago, and so far, he has not achieved any strategic goals. But this (Ukrainian conflict) was caused by Mr. Putin’s decisions,” Austin explained.
Regarding whether the US is planning to establish an “Asian NATO,” Austin simply stated, “What we are doing is exactly what I just talked about in my speech. Like-minded countries sharing similar values and a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific are working together to realize this vision. We are also enhancing relationships with allies and partners.”
Austin reiterated during his Saturday speech that the US remains focused on the Indo-Pacific region. He affirmed the US’s unwavering commitment to the region’s security, stating, “We are all in, we are not leaving.”
He stated, “The future of the region remains critical to the United States, more so than ever before.”
“The Biden administration has emphasized from day one that the Indo-Pacific is at the core of US strategy.”
“While historic conflicts have occurred in Europe and the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific region remains our priority theater of operations.”
“Maintaining security and prosperity in the region continues to be a fundamental organizing principle of US national security policy,” Austin said. “Only with Asian security can American security be ensured. That is why the US continues to make necessary investments to fulfill our commitments to allies and partners.”
The Defense Secretary also underscored that the US’s alliances and partnerships are its “greatest global strategic advantage,” a reality more apparent today than ever before. Therefore, “We are breaking down barriers with our friends in the region to better integrate our defense industries.”
He highlighted US collaborations with Japan to develop hypersonic weapon interceptors, cooperation with India on producing fighter jet engines and armored vehicles, deploying maritime defense capabilities with the Philippines, and tri-lateral exercise plans with South Korea and Japan, among others.
Austin also stressed that the US continues to support maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.