During the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasised the importance of dialogue between the United States and China.
He stated that talks are necessary to avoid misunderstandings and called for continuous engagement.
Speaking at the defense officials conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, Austin highlighted China’s recent intercepts in international airspace, which he described as “aggressive and unprofessional.”
He asserted that the US will not be deterred by such behavior and reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring the safety of its aircraft.
The remarks come after the release of declassified video footage showing a Chinese fighter jet engaging in an aggressive maneuver during an intercept of a US Air Force aircraft on 26 May.