US and Chinese Defense chiefs hold first dialogue since 2022
- In Reports
- 12:57 PM, Apr 17, 2024
- Myind Staff
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in a video teleconference with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun, marking the first substantial dialogue between the defence chiefs of the two superpowers in almost 18 months.
The United States has been actively enhancing defence collaboration with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region to counterbalance China's expanding influence. Additionally, it aims to uphold open channels of communication with Beijing to mitigate the risk of escalating tensions.
The Pentagon stated that the two officials engaged in discussions concerning defence relations between the US and the People's Republic of China, as well as addressing regional and global security matters.
The statement highlighted that Secretary Austin underscored the significance of maintaining open channels of military communication between the United States and the People's Republic of China, particularly in light of recent discussions between the two sides.
Austin also reiterated the United States' commitment to conducting flights, sailings, and operations in accordance with international law, emphasising the importance of doing so safely and responsibly. He underscored the significance of upholding the freedom of navigation in the high seas, particularly in the South China Sea, as guaranteed by international law.
In response, Beijing conveyed that Dong had used the discussions to advocate for increased "trust" between the two nations. According to a statement from Beijing, Dong urged Austin to prioritise peace as the paramount objective and stability as the foremost concern for both China and the United States.
Dong stressed the significance of the military aspect in stabilising the progression of the relationship and averting significant crises. However, he cautioned the US regarding its stance on the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing asserts as part of its territory. According to the defence ministry's statement, Dong underscored that the Taiwan issue is at the heart of China's core interests.
He further urged the US to acknowledge his country's stance on the South China Sea, an area largely claimed by Beijing and where tensions have escalated in recent months.
"The US side should acknowledge China's unwavering position, respect China's territorial sovereignty, and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and undertake tangible measures to uphold regional peace," Dong asserted.
Austin's most recent notable engagement with a Chinese counterpart took place in November 2022, during a meeting with Wei Fenghe in Cambodia. Wei was later succeeded by Li Shangfu, who exchanged greetings and briefly conversed with Austin at a defence conference in Singapore last June, but did not engage in formal discussions with the Pentagon chief.
A senior US defence official informed journalists that China declined to consent to discussions between Austin and Li while the latter was subject to American sanctions. This hindrance was eliminated when Dong replaced Li last year.
Image source: India Today
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