U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun convened in Singapore on Friday for their first-ever meeting, aimed at easing tensions and averting potential conflicts in the region.
The 75-minute discussion occurred on the sidelines of the Shangri-La defense dialogue, with both sides describing the exchange as “positive, pragmatic, and constructive.” Senior Col. Wu Qian, a Chinese military spokesperson, emphasized the mutual commitment to fostering a stable U.S.-China military relationship and increasing future communications.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin walk in to the Dutch Pavilion, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, on Friday noon, for a bilateral talk. Austin arrived first. This is the first meeting between China and US defense chiefs since November 2022. pic.twitter.com/MkIBPz6rlW
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) May 31, 2024
This pivotal meeting, the first since Dong’s appointment in December and the first official dialogue since 2022, followed the suspension of key military communication lines by China after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. The dialogue included challenging topics such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. Austin expressed concerns about provocative activities by the People’s Liberation Army around the Taiwan Strait and cautioned against using Taiwan’s democratic processes as a pretext for coercion.
In response, Dong reiterated China’s claim over Taiwan and criticized the U.S. for sending misleading signals to Taiwanese separatist forces, particularly following the U.S. State Department’s congratulations to Taiwan’s President William Lai on his recent inauguration. The discussions also touched on the South China Sea disputes, with Austin advocating for freedom of navigation under international law, countered by Chinese insistence on balanced regional security.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a bilateral talk at Shangri-La Hotel in #Singapore on Friday noon, ahead of the formal kickoff of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue summit. pic.twitter.com/CaN9xoGmer
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) May 31, 2024
Additionally, the meeting covered global issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the U.S. accusing China of supporting Russia’s defense sector, a claim Beijing denies, maintaining its neutrality in the conflict. The talks in Singapore represent a significant step towards better communication and understanding between the U.S. and China, setting a foundation for future diplomatic and military interactions
- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met for the first time in Singapore to reduce regional tensions.
- The 75-minute meeting, described as positive and constructive, occurred during the annual Shangri-La defense dialogue.
- Discussions covered contentious issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, with both sides reaffirming their positions.
- Both nations agreed on the importance of a stable military relationship and committed to future communications and exchanges.
- The officials also addressed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the U.S. accusing China of supporting Russia’s defense base and China denying arms provision to either side.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
