PRC, US Conduct High-Level Military Talks

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Facts

  • Chinese officials announced on Tuesday that US and PRC military commanders have held talks in an effort to stabilize relations. Both Washington and Beijing reportedly aim to establish more frequent communication channels to prevent misunderstandings, especially in regional hotspots like the South China Sea.[1]
  • Following then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in Aug. 2022, China severed all high-level military communication with the US. On Tuesday, Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, held a video call with People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command chief Wu Yanan.[2]
  • The Chinese defense ministry stated that both parties engaged in an 'in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern.' The Indo-Pacific Command reported that Paparo urged the PLA to use de-escalation tactics in the South China Sea.[3]
  • Following an at-sea confrontation earlier this month when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel slammed into a Philippine ship, Beijing stated it was defending its rights.[4]
  • The high-level military dialogue on Tuesday comes a month after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited Beijing to meet with Chinese counterpart Zhang Youxia. This was the first such visit since 2016.[5]
  • According to reports, during the meeting with Zhang, Sullivan emphasized the significance of 'freedom of navigation' in the South China Sea and 'stability' in the Taiwan Strait. Zhang in turn said Taiwan was the most significant red line in US-China relations and that the US should stop arming the island.[6]

Sources: [1]Guardian, [2]CNN, [3]Reuters, [4]Taipei Times, [5]France 24 and [6]Barrons.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by CNN. Tuesday's video conference conversation between US and Chinese military leaders was positive. This direct contact between top military officers helps 'clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation,' as tensions have increased in the South China Sea after multiple hazardous incidents between the PLA and US partners. For operational safety, all parties must follow international laws and norms. The US has shown a measured approach to its engagement with Beijing.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Global Times. It's a positive sign that the two countries have resumed their communication and military dialogue to prevent potential mishaps and dangerous misunderstandings. However, it's unfortunate that the US is using false narratives regarding the recent tensions in the South China Sea, which stem from the Philippines' provocations clearly supported by the US. The US must do due diligence in deeply listening to China as Washington pursues its agenda of a 'rules-based' world order.

Predictions