An interview with Nihon Keizai discussing arms sales to Taiwan
Paradox of the necessity of the US-China defense ministers meeting “Continue seeking dialogue”
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the 1st that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin declared that he would devise all measures in cooperation with related countries to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.
He responded to a written interview with Nihon Keizai in line with his Asian tour.
Defense Minister Austin will hold talks with Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada on the 1st, attend the Asian Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) opening in Singapore on the 2nd, and will also visit India.
Regarding the support of new weapons to Taiwan, he said, “We will work hard to fulfill our responsibilities based on the Taiwan Relations Act,” suggesting arms sales to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense.
Regarding relations with Japan, Defense Secretary Austin said, “We will work closely together to maintain regional peace and stability to counter China’s actions that destabilize the region.”
Regarding Japan’s defense budget expansion, he analyzed, “It will contribute to strengthening deterrence in the integrated region and lead to the maintenance of a free and open Indo-Pacific and international order based on rules.”
Defense Secretary Austin also emphasized the need to hold a US-China defense ministers’ meeting.
He stressed that it is very important to maintain dialogue even when opinions diverge. “China has rejected it many times, but the United States will continue to pursue it.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the US Department of Defense proposed a meeting between Defense Secretary Austin and Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Sangfu at the Shangri-La Dialogue held on the 2nd to 4th, but China rejected the proposal for a Singapore meeting between the two defense chiefs. did.
It has been reported that China demanded lifting of sanctions against Defense Minister Li as a precondition for the talks with the heads of defense, but the United States was negative.
Source: Donga
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