The conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be “devastating,” according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who blasted China’s unwillingness to engage in discussions on Saturday.
He stated that it is the responsibility of the entire world to keep the Taiwan Strait peaceful and stable.
“The security of shipping lanes and the global supply chain is dependent on this.”
“Don’t be misled; a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be disastrous,” he said at a security conference hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
He stated that the US “is determined” to preserve peace and stability in the region.
Austin has requested a meeting with his Chinese colleague, Li Shangfu, on the margins of the conference.
The Chinese side, on the other hand, has refused.
Prior to the discussions, Li stated that China has the right to use force to include Taiwan into its borders, despite its desire for peaceful “reunification.”
Taiwan has been an autonomous island since 1949, but China regards it as its own, which it hopes to incorporate into Chinese territory one day.
This Sunday, Li is set to outline China’s new security plan.
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