US does not seek to create "Asian NATO", Pentagon chief says

There are no plans to create a "NATO analogue" in the Indo-Asian region in order to avoid the threat of a new Cold War. 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made the remark during a keynote speech on Saturday, Russia-based MK reports.

"We do not seek confrontation or conflict. And we do not seek a new Cold War, an Asian analogue of NATO, or a region split into hostile blocs," he said.

He also noted that the United States is trying to take all necessary measures to prevent the development of a conflict with China.