Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles met with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, after Li refused to meet with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Marles said the meeting was an important step in stabilising relations between the two countries. However, he also noted that China is currently conducting the largest conventional military build-up since World War II without providing any strategic explanation or reassurance. Marles reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Pacific, but warned that the CCP will kill as many as needed to preserve its power. The meeting between Marles and Li occurred as China continues to refuse dialogue with the Pentagon, despite open lines of communication being essential, particularly between military leaders.