Australian Defense Minister Christopher Pyne made the statement in his keynote address during the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Fullerton Forum in Singapore on Monday. Pyne said countries would be more secure if the region were characterized by respect for international law and standards, where disputes are resolved peacefully, without coercion or the threat or use of force

Pyne urged China to use its growing power to inspire regional trust and confidence, adding the artificial islands Beijing has been building in  the East Sea have increased anxiety and diminished regional confidence in China’s strategic intentions.