Working-level negotiations for Deputy Vice Minister in Washington… Reopening after 4 years
U.S. confirms defense commitments and freedom of navigation stance
China: ‘We will never compromise on the Taiwan issue’
The U.S. and Chinese militaries held a defense policy coordination meeting in accordance with the agreement reached at the U.S.-China summit in San Francisco in November last year. Although the two sides reached a consensus on resuming exchanges, they were unable to narrow their differences on key issues such as the Taiwan issue and the South China Sea dispute.
On the 9th (local time), the Associated Press and others cited an announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense, citing Michael Chase, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, who met with Major General Song Yanchao, deputy director of the International Military Cooperation Office of the Chinese Central Military Commission, at the Pentagon on the 8th and 9th. It was reported that the U.S.-China defense policy coordination meeting was held.
The US-China defense policy coordination talks, which began in 2005 and were held in Beijing in January 2020, were suspended due to the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
The resumption of these talks after four years is also seen as a signal of the resumption of exchanges between the U.S. and Chinese military authorities.
“The two sides discussed the U.S.-China defense relationship and reaffirmed their position that the United States will continue to fly, navigate, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows,” the U.S. Department of Defense said in a press release.
The U.S. Department of Defense also said, “The United States confirmed that its commitment to the Indo-Pacific and its allies around the world remains unchanged, and also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the ‘One China Policy.’”
In addition, he added, “This dialogue is a follow-up to the US-China summit held in November last year, and we decided to actively discuss with China regarding future promises between the Ministry of National Defense and military officials.”
On the other hand, China’s Ministry of National Defense said that it reaffirmed its basic position during this meeting.
China’s Ministry of National Defense said, “We emphasized our stance that we will not compromise or back down on the Taiwan issue,” and “demanded that the United States adhere to the ‘one China’ principle, stop arming Taiwan, and oppose Taiwanese independence.”
He also said, “The United States must reduce military deployments and provocations in the South China Sea and stop supporting violations of the rights and interests of individual countries and provocative acts.” “He urged.
In addition, he added, “China’s strict position and serious concerns regarding issues of China’s core interests and international issues have been clearly stated.”
Meanwhile, the possibility of a meeting between the US and Chinese defense ministers is increasing as a result of this dialogue.
In particular, with the appointment of Naval Commander Dong Jun as the new Minister of National Defense on the 29th of last month, the problem of the absence of a ‘counterpart’ on the Chinese side has also been resolved.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.