Key facts
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged allies to increase defense spending.
- Austin sounded an 'alarm' regarding China's military buildup.
- He emphasized the need for collective security.
- The goal is to create a stronger deterrent against potential aggression.
Tensions in the Indo-Pacific region are heightened by China's rapid military expansion and increasing assertiveness. The US is seeking to bolster its alliances and encourage regional partners to enhance their defense capabilities to counter potential aggression and maintain stability.