US, China Defense Chiefs Hold First Official Meeting Since 2022

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Facts

  • US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun held their first face-to-face talks on Friday on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. It was Austin's first meeting with a Chinese counterpart since late 2022.1
  • According to the Chinese defense ministry, the meeting was 'positive, practical and constructive,' with both exchanging views, including on ties between the two militaries, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Ukraine conflict.2
  • However, Dong reportedly warned the US against interfering in Chinese-Taiwanese affairs, adding that Washington's support to Taiwan sends a wrong message to 'separatist forces.'3
  • According to the Pentagon, Austin raised concerns about the recent 'provocative' actions by the Chinese military around the Taiwan Strait and urged Beijing to refrain from 'coercive measures' against the self-governing island.4
  • Both countries are set to resume military communication 'in the coming months,' Austin said after the hour-long talks, reportedly welcoming plans for a 'crisis-communications working group' with Beijing by year's end.5

Sources: 1CNN, 2South China Morning Post, 3Honolulu Star, 4The Economic Times and 5Yahoo News.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Mirage News. The Austin-Dong meeting proves that the US is doing its utmost to ease bilateral tensions for the benefit of the international community. In Singapore, Austin reiterated that Washington remains committed to its long-standing one-China policy, but that Beijing should cease its provocative actions around the Taiwan Strait. The US remains committed to regional peace and stability — but will not be deterred from continuing to fly, sail, and operate under international law.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by BRICS. It is to China's credit that it agreed to a direct meeting between Dong and Austin despite the US saber-rattling in the South China Sea and its interference in China's internal affairs concerning Taiwan. While Washington tirelessly portrays China as a threat, it's Washington and its allies who — trapped in a Cold War mentality — intentionally undermine regional peace and stability. China prefers dialog but is prepared to use its military to protect its sovereignty and interests.

Predictions