China's defence minister warned Sunday against establishing NATO-like military alliances in the Asia-Pacific, saying they would plunge the region into a "whirlpool" of conflict. 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 United States is a member of AUKUS, which groups it with Australia and Britain. Li sought to paint the United States as the trigger of regional instability, and China as seeking to ease tensions. "It cannot be denied that if a fierce conflict or confrontation occurs between China and the United States, it would bring unbearable pain for the world," he said.

Source: The Standard June 04, 2023 09:08 UTC