China cautions against formation of NATO-style alliances in Asia-Pacific.

China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu warned against establishing NATO-like military alliances in the Asia-Pacific, saying they would lead to conflict and plunge the region into a "whirlpool" of disputes. Li's comments echoed long-held Chinese criticism of the United States' efforts to shore up alliances in the region and counter China's rise. The warning came a day after US and Chinese military vessels sailed close to each other in the Taiwan Strait, an incident that provoked anger from both sides. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for top-level defense talks with Beijing to prevent miscalculations.