TOKYO - Australia's Chief of the Defense Force Adm. Mark Hammond on Thursday expressed concern that the military buildup in the Indo-Pacific region is proceeding without "the reassurance that comes through transparency and dialogue."
The region appears to be experiencing "the largest increase and modernization of military capability since World War II," Hammond said in his first interview with a Japanese media organization since assuming the role in July.
Australia is watching China's activities regarding Taiwan, the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing, "very carefully," said Hammond, who visited Japan for talks with senior Self-Defense Forces officials aimed at further strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
"We are absolutely of the belief that security and stability in the Indo-Pacific is best served by maintaining the status quo and adhering to a rules-based system," he said.
