Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in a productive conversation with China's national defense minister, marking a significant step in enhancing communication between the U.S. and Chinese military forces in the Indo-Pacific region. This dialogue, the first between Austin and Adm. Dong Jun, lasted over an hour and emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication.
The call comes amidst efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote mutual respect for freedom of navigation, particularly in the South China Sea. The U.S. and China have been working towards expanding communication channels since military contact was suspended by Beijing in August 2022 following political events.
The recent thaw in relations began with a meeting between President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping, followed by a video call between Gen. CQ Brown and his Chinese counterpart. Austin's conversation with Dong, who assumed the defense role in December, signifies a positive development in bilateral relations.
Concerns over unsafe incidents involving U.S. and Chinese military activities in the Pacific have been a focal point. China's assertive actions, including military maneuvers near Taiwan and aggressive behavior towards Philippine ships in the South China Sea, have raised alarms.
The call also touched upon global issues such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, North Korea, and the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. aims to prevent potential conflicts with China and maintain a peaceful coexistence.
Recent discussions between U.S. and Chinese defense officials in Hawaii focused on addressing aggressive incidents involving ships and aircraft in the Pacific region. The meeting, which included military and civilian representatives from both sides, aimed to mitigate risks of escalation and promote maritime safety.
Overall, the dialogue between Austin and Dong reflects a positive step towards fostering better understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and China, with a shared goal of ensuring regional stability and security.
