US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, shown at a congressional hearing in Washington on Wednesday, said in a speech on Friday that China had eclipsed Russia to become the top US military priority. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, shown at a congressional hearing in Washington on Wednesday, said in a speech on Friday that China had eclipsed Russia to become the top US military priority. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Pentagon head says China has become top US military priority, moving past Russia

  • US Defence Secretary Mark Esper says Beijing is ‘asserting illegitimate maritime claims’ and ‘threatening its neighbours' sovereignty’ in South China Sea
  • ‘Beijing and Moscow are not only violating the sovereignty of smaller states, they are also attempting to undermine international laws,” he said.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, shown at a congressional hearing in Washington on Wednesday, said in a speech on Friday that China had eclipsed Russia to become the top US military priority. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, shown at a congressional hearing in Washington on Wednesday, said in a speech on Friday that China had eclipsed Russia to become the top US military priority. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
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