**Australia Calls for Clarity on China's Military Expansion amid Rising Tensions**

In light of rising tensions in Asia, Australia has urged China to clarify the reasons for its significant military expansion, while both Australia and the Philippines express concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea.

Australia's defense minister, Richard Marles, has articulated the need for China to clarify the rationale behind its "extraordinary military build-up." During the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Marles stated that this military expansion represents a "fundamental issue" that demands transparency and reassurance from Beijing. The Philippines defense minister, Gilberto Teodoro Jr, echoed these sentiments, labeling China's actions in the South China Sea as "absolutely irresponsible and reckless."

At the summit, Marles emphasized the unprecedented scale of China's military enhancement, noting it to be the most significant since World War II. He highlighted the absence of transparency or clear strategic intent from China as particularly concerning, prompting the call for clarity similar to the open defense strategies practiced by Australia.

As China maintained a lower-level delegation at the dialogue, discussions were largely dominated by critiques from the US and its allies. Marles pointed out that Australia shares its defense strategies publicly, aiming to assure its neighbors and the region that its military developments are for collective security.

Marles responded to questions about a contentious Chinese military exercise near Australian waters, asserting that while it was disruptive, it complied with international law and highlighted the importance of adhering to the rules-based international order.

Teodoro reinforced the notion that the aggressive practices of China in the South China Sea threaten regional stability and that international collaboration is essential to uphold the current order. He insisted on the necessity for Western countries to lead in this regard, reflecting on the shared values of freedom and dignity among smaller sovereign nations.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently warned about an imminent threat from China towards Taiwan, labeling Beijing as a growing hegemonic power, a claim that was promptly dismissed by Chinese authorities. French President Emmanuel Macron's earlier remarks about Europe's potential role in Asian defense against Chinese aggression further stirred tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan's status.

China's continued silence on the Australian and Philippine concerns, along with its aggressive military posture, raises significant questions for the future of regional peace and stability in Asia.