Cao Yanzhong, a research fellow at China's Academy of Military Sciences, says that the United States' "extreme development" of military alliances leaves other countries with "an increased sense of insecurity". Cao was speaking to reporters at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hailed a "new era of security" in the Asia-Pacific region. Washington has been strengthening its network of alliances aimed at countering China's growing military might and influence. SOUNDBITES