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Australia decries ‘simplistic’ views on China as it plots smoother ties

Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles speaks to the media during day 1 of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on June 3, 2023.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles speaking to the media on June 3.

ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

Bhagyashree Garekar

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SINGAPORE – Australia is cruising towards closer ties with China, despite growing tensions in the Sino-American relationship.

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles late on Saturday night on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, even as Beijing

turned down Washington’s request

for a formal sit-down with Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was also in Singapore for Asia’s premier defence summit.

Australia decries ‘simplistic’ views on China as it plots smoother ties

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