EDITORIALRival presence in Asia need not stir up conflictBy THE MANILA TIMEShome/Opinion/Editorial/Rival presence in Asia need not stir up conflictThe United States raised a notable and sensitive issue at the Shangri-La Dialogue this weekend in Singapore, where it warned China on Saturday against threatening the sovereignty of its neighbors. The forum gathered the defense ministers and top military officials from around the world, so its discussions are consequential. Secretary Shanahan’s words in Singapore address the concerns of countries in the Asia Pacific over China’s militarization of the South China Sea. A Chinese defense ministry spokesman said the two defense secretaries had reached some consensus on issues of common concern, adding that Wei stressed the Taiwan issue during the meeting. It could also have a moderating effect on any growing militarization efforts amid rival claims in the region.

Source: Manila Times June 03, 2019 16:16 UTC