China's aggression in Indo-Pacific can spark 'crisis'

Defence Secretary of US Llyod Austin mentioned to their lawmakers that Beijing's "aggressive behavior" in the Indo-Pacific could spark a "crisis" in the strategically vital region. He sees China’s movements as a pacing challenge to the US. He stressed that they should have a direct line of communication between the militaries and between government officials of the two countries. Being concerned about the international security and military, China’s hostile actions can spur a crisis that would affect both nations adversely. Austin asserts by saying they need the ability to be able to talk with our allies and partners and also with our adversaries or potential adversaries.

Describing their relations on the lines of competition, he refers that China desires to be the preeminent country on the planet. Their mid to long-term goal is to do that. They look to compete with us, not only militarily but across a spectrum of activities. Replying to his statement, a senior Chinese foreign ministry official said that China is committed to developing a relationship of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation with the US but will continue to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests at the same time.

It is noted that China almost has 1.3 million square miles of South China Sea as its sovereign territory and they building military bases on artificial islands in the region which is also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Taking everything under their control only, China has prevented Vietnam and the Philippines to carry any fishing or mineral exploration activity.

Since the US naval ships regularly sail through the disputed South China Sea in a bid to assert freedom of navigation in the region which is also vital for shipping. Senator Angus King said in the hearing that he believed one of the "most serious risks the US faces today is an accidental conflict with China", of some kind of conflict in the South China Sea, the Strait of Taiwan, and the danger of escalation from that accidental conflict of some kind. He realized that China is reluctant to have a hotline with the US but nothing comes above national security priority. Some of these initiatives will remain classified however, they are designed to focus on departmental processes and procedures that let whole-of-government efforts address the challenge from China effectively.