The US Secretary of Defense used his speech at the annual security forum on Saturday to warn that China is “reliable” preparations to use military force to overturn the balance of Asian power, AFP reported.
He added that the Chinese troops will build their ability to invade Taiwan and “rehearse for real deals.”
In a statement released shortly after midnight, China’s Foreign Ministry said it had “submitted strict expressions to the US” over Hegses’ comments, adding that he “seriously lamented” his remarks.
“The US should not try to use Taiwan’s issues as a negotiation tip to contain China, and should not play with fire,” he said.
Beijing, who did not send Dong Jun to the Singapore Summit, said he had no right to interfere with foreign countries, calling it the “Taiwan issue” the “inside” of China.
MNA