US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met face to face for the first time in 18 months. They discussed the Taiwan crisis and the situation in Gaza.
The Defense Ministers of Washington and Beijing met in Singapore. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met face to face for the first time in 18 months.
The meeting, which was expected to discuss Taiwan and other important issues, lasted more than an hour.
In a statement released by the US Defense Ministry Pentagon after the meeting, it was reported that Austin emphasized the importance of keeping military communication open.
The US plan to establish a crisis communication working group with China by the end of the year was welcomed.
Austin also discussed China’s support for Russia’s industrial base.
On the other hand, he expressed concern about Beijing’s military activity near Taiwan and said, “China should not use the Taiwan elections as a pretext for coercive measures.”
“THE US VIOLATES THE ONE-CHINA PRINCIPLE”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Dong and Austin had a “practical and constructive” meeting.
It said the two ministers exchanged views on Taiwan, the South China Sea and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Dong also said that US actions toward Taiwan seriously violate the “one-China principle” and send the wrong signal to Taiwan separatist forces, according to the statement.
Dong warned Austin against interfering in China’s internal affairs with Taiwan.
On Palestine, Dong said the humanitarian crisis has caused outrage around the world.
Minister Dong told his counterpart Austin that he hoped the US could help peace in the Middle East.
CHINA WILL NOT ATTEND UKRAINE PEACE CONFERENCE
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said China’s demands for an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine are “fair” and “impartial” and not directed against any side.
He said it was “difficult” for China to participate in the Ukrainian peace conference in Switzerland.
“China attaches great importance to Switzerland hosting the first Ukraine Peace Summit and has been working with the Swiss side and all relevant parties since the beginning of this year,” the spokesperson added.
