Austin wants 'stable relationship' with China US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has said he wants his country to have more transparency and better communication with China. He said he has made numerous attempts to set up face-to-face meetings with top Chinese officials. Austin is on a tour of Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. He is discussing regional security with his counterparts in those countries. Austin said the US will not flinch when its interests are threatened, yet it does not seek confrontation. He added he is committed to pursuing a constructive and stable relationship with China. In talks with Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, Austin touched on some areas of tension with China.