Sat May 31 06:41:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, urged China to be more transparent about its military activities and expansion, particularly in the Pacific region. He highlighted concerns over recent Chinese naval exercises near Australia and New Zealand, despite acknowledging they were within international law. Australia is increasing its defense spending and capabilities, including a major investment in U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, in response to China’s growing military presence.

**News Article:**

**Australia Urges China for Military Transparency Amid Growing Regional Concerns**

**Singapore (May 31, 2025)** – Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles called on China to increase transparency regarding its military modernization and deployments, as regional tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Marles emphasized the importance of open communication for a productive relationship between Australia and China.

“We would like to have a greater transparency in what China is seeking to do in not only its build up, but in the exercises that it undertakes,” Marles told Reuters on the sidelines of the summit.

His remarks come after China conducted live-fire naval exercises in the Tasman Sea in February, raising concerns from both Australia and New Zealand due to the late notification and disruption to commercial air traffic. While acknowledging the exercises were within international law, Marles stated China could have been less disruptive. He also noted Australia actively monitored the Chinese task force.

The call for transparency coincides with Australia’s increasing defense spending and modernization efforts. The nation is on track to increase its defense budget to 2.4% of GDP by the early 2030s and is investing heavily in missile defense capabilities. In a major defense project, Australia is scheduled to invest $2 billion by the end of the year to assist US submarine shipyards and aims to acquire three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States starting in 2032. These measures are being taken amidst China’s expanding naval capabilities and nuclear weapons buildup, signaling a growing strategic competition in the region.

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