US defense chief wary of Russia, China

SIMI VALLEY, California (AP) – US Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Saturday accused Russia of endangering world order, citing its incursions in Ukraine and loose talk about nuclear weapons, and said the US defense establishment is searching for creative ways to deter Russian aggression and protect US allies. In remarks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library after eight days of travel in Asia, Carter also expressed concern about China's expanding influence and growing military might. But he reserved his stronger words for Russia. Carter said Russia is undertaking “challenging activities” at sea, in the air, in space and in cyberspace. “Most disturbing, Moscow's nuclear saber-rattling raises questions about Russian leaders' commitment to strategic stability, their respect for norms against the use of nuclear weapons, and whether they respect the profound caution nuclear-age leaders showed with regard to the brandishing of nuclear weapons,” he said. His remarks were perhaps the strongest he has expressed about America's former Cold War foe.