US will ‘compete vigorously’ in South China Sea, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis warns Beijing
China’s actions in region raise questions about its intentions, Pentagon chief says
The United States will “compete vigorously” with China’s actions in the South China Sea if needed, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday, but insisted Washington was still willing to work with Beijing on a “results-oriented” relationship.
“China’s policy in the South China Sea stands in stark contrast to the openness our strategy promises, it calls into question China’s broader goals,” Mattis said at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“The US will continue to pursue a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China, cooperating when possible and competing vigorously where we must … of course we recognise any sustainable Indo-Pacific order has a role for China.
“Make no mistake: America is in the Indo-Pacific to stay. This is our priority theatre,” he said.
Mattis’ speech came amid increased rivalry between China and the US, as Washington again challenged Beijing’s increasing maritime dominance in the region, mainly over its vast territorial claims and militarisation of islands in strategic waters.
In recent weeks, China has stepped up its campaign with the deployment of advanced weapons and aircraft, including landing its nuclear-capable H-6K strategic bomber on a fortified reef in the Paracel Islands.