Australia Acknowledges Unprecedented Growth in China's Military Power
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated in a statement that China is enhancing its military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region at an unprecedented pace.
Speaking during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Wong told Bloomberg Television: "We are witnessing the largest military buildup in our region since World War II."
Wong acknowledged that China has the right to strengthen its own defense capabilities, but noted that other nations hope Beijing will provide further clarification regarding its intentions.
She added: "China may argue it has the right to do so. But against the backdrop of the fastest military expansion we have ever seen, other countries want assurances about intentions and greater transparency."
Wong also said Canberra believes actions undermining stability in the Asia-Pacific region are increasing. She specifically mentioned China's recent missile tests, though she did not provide evidence demonstrating that China’s enhanced defense capabilities directly threaten other nations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871308181610499/
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