US statement on 'China': We must work together

These remarks by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin came shortly after his meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue intergovernmental security conference in Singapore, Austin said, "Not every conversation with him will be a pleasant one, but it is important that we continue to talk to each other."

Stating that Washington and Beijing must continue to work together to reduce the risks of "miscalculation and misunderstanding," the Pentagon chief added, "In my view, war or conflict with China is neither imminent nor inevitable."

US Secretary of Defense Austin and his Chinese counterpart Dong held a meeting as part of the Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore. A statement from the Pentagon described the 75-minute meeting as "professional and candid." The meeting addressed China's recent exercises in the Taiwan Strait, the situation in Ukraine, and North Korea's "provocations."

It was reported that during this meeting, Austin expressed concern over China's alleged support for the Russian defense sector. The Pentagon chief stated that if this support continues, the US and its allies "will have to take new measures."