Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles urged China to explain its significant military expansion, citing a lack of transparency and strategic reassurance. He contrasted China's actions with Australia's open defence strategies. Philippines Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also criticized China's actions in the South China Sea as "irresponsible and reckless." These comments were made at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where China's reduced presence allowed for increased criticism of its military buildup.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.