Hagel Addresses Chinese Concerns During Shangri-La Dialogue

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Hagel Addresses Chinese Concerns During Shangri-La Dialogue 06/01/2013 11:51 AM CDT Hagel Addresses Chinese Concerns During Shangri-La Dialogue By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service SINGAPORE, June 1, 2013 - During a question-and-answer session following his speech here this morning, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel countered a Chinese general's question on whether the U.S. strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is intended to contain China. Hagel spoke at the 12th Annual Shangri-La Dialogue before delegates from some 27 nations in the region. Following his remarks, Maj. Gen. Yao Yunzhu, director of China-America Defense Relations for China's Academy of Military Science, expressed doubt about statements made by U.S. leaders that the U.S. strategic emphasis in the region is not intended to limit China's military growth. Hagel responded that as he said during his speech, the United States welcomes "a strong and emerging and responsible China." The same is true of other emerging nations including India and Indonesia, he added. "We look forward to that emergence for many reasons, but one among them all is as important as any other, and that's the responsibility that great nations take on," he said. Powerful nations share responsibilities for security in their region, he said, because they have "huge stakes" in maintaining stability and peace. "We recognize that; we want to be part of that," the secretary said. The United States has been a Pacific power for 200 years, Hagel noted, so its emphasis on the region is not new. "We've had interests, partnerships, relationships in this part of the world for a long time," he said. "We have interests here too, just as China and Russia and other nations have interests all over the world." Hagel said reassuring China on U.S. intentions in the region is at the core of enhanced military to military ties. The United States wants to avoid miscalculations, misunderstandings and misinterpretations, he said. "The only way you do that is you talk to each other," the secretary said. "You've got to be direct with each other; you have to share with each other; you've got to be inclusive with each other. And I think we're on track with that. I think we've made good ... and continued progress on that, and we'll make more progress." Later, a senior defense official who is part of Hagel's delegation told reporters on background China is "the only country that is even questioning whether we have a containment strategy toward China. Everyone else recognizes that we don't." The official acknowledged the U.S. did employ such a strategy during the Cold War. The relationship between the two countries now, he noted, is "very, very different." Hagel will remain in Singapore through the end of the Shangri-La Dialogue before traveling on to Brussels for NATO defense minister meetings.  Biographies: Chuck Hagel Related Sites: Special Report: Travels With Hagel Shangri-La Dialogue 2013   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense