After an extended chill between the two militaries, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with China’s defence minister, Admiral Dong Jun, on Tuesday, the first such communication with his Chinese counterpart in over two years and the first time since Dong was appointed in December.
The contact follows a protracted period of tension, diplomatic snubs, rhetoric and near misses in the South China Sea between the two militaries.
Dong and Austin discussed US-China “defence relations and regional and global security issues”, according to a Pentagon readout of their video call. “Secretary Austin underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea.”
The two also discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine, recent provocations by North Korea, US-Chinese defence relations and global security issues, the Pentagon said.
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Chinese floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint
Chinese floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint
“The secretary also reiterated that the United States remains committed to our long-standing one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act,” the Defence Department said, “and he reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the strait.”
The US readout cited the importance of open lines of communication between the two militaries and reaffirmed the decision at last year’s summit that both sides resume telephone conversations between theatre commanders.
“The secretary also reiterated that the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows,” the Pentagon said. “Secretary Austin underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea.”
Philippines, US, Japan to boost cooperation to deter Beijing in South China Sea
Philippines, US, Japan to boost cooperation to deter Beijing in South China Sea
Tuesday’s call was the latest step in a measured warming in relations between the Pentagon and the People’s Liberation Army following lower-level contact. Working-level Military Maritime Consultative Agreement talks were held in Honolulu earlier this month, and the 17th US-China Defence Policy Coordination talks took place in January in Washington.
That meeting occurred after China froze high-level military contacts over then House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which Beijing viewed as a breach of its sovereignty. Pelosi was the highest-level US official to visit the self-governed island in a quarter century.
