DefenseNews: China’s defense minister defends country’s response to ‘provocation’

SINGAPORE — China’s newly appointed defense minister said Sunday Chinese fighter jets and naval vessels were responding to provocations close to China’s airspace and waters when carrying out maneuvers that have been branded dangerous or unprofessional. Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu delivers his speech on the last day of the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defense and security forum, in Singapore, Sunday, June 4, 2023. Li Shangfu, who was named to his position in March,…