"U.S. Defense Secretary Austin Takes Tough Stance Against China's Coercion and Bullying"

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has pledged that the US will not tolerate "coercion and bullying" of its allies and partners by China, while also assuring Beijing that the US remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum bringing together top defense officials, diplomats, and leaders, Austin lobbied for support for Washington's vision of a "free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights" as the best course to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region.