On Friday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun for approximately 75 minutes during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The Pentagon reported that the discussions included concerns over Beijing’s large-scale military exercises around Taiwan.
Concerns Over Taiwan Strait Activities
Austin expressed his apprehension regarding the “provocative” actions of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that the PRC should not exploit Taiwan’s political transition, a normal democratic process, as an excuse for coercive measures.
Military Exercises Following Taiwan’s Presidential Inauguration
Beijing commenced extensive military drills around Taiwan following the inauguration of William Lai Ching-te as the island’s new president on May 20. Austin reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reaffirmed the US commitment to its longstanding one-China policy.
Commitment to International Law
Referring to operations in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, Austin underscored that the US would continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law permits.
The meeting also covered broader geopolitical issues, including Russia’s war on Ukraine and China’s support for Russia’s defense industry. Austin expressed concerns about North Korea’s recent provocations and its contributions to Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
Reestablishing Communication Lines
This meeting marked the first direct interaction between the US and Chinese defense chiefs since November 2022. The dialogue is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open communication lines amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
China had severed high-level military communications with the US following an unannounced visit to Taiwan by then-US Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022. However, communication lines were restored after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in San Francisco last November.
While no US defense chief has visited China since Jim Mattis in 2018, high-level military talks resumed in November 2022 when Austin met former Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe in Cambodia.
Dong Jun, who became China’s first naval commander to be appointed defense minister in December, participated in this latest attempt to stabilize US-China military communications amidst ongoing regional and international tensions.
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Written By Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji