China Protests US Defense Secretary's Speech, Warns Against 'Playing with Fire' Over Taiwan

China formally protested to the United States following a speech by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Austin's remarks focused on China's expanding military and its ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region, prompting a sharp rebuke from Beijing. A news report from Al Arabiya highlighted China's concerns, with the presenter stating, "China warned Washington against 'playing with fire' concerning Taiwan." The Chinese government's official statement detailed its objections to Austin's speech, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate tensions. This incident underscores the ongoing strategic competition between the US and China and the sensitivity surrounding the issue of Taiwan.