Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is making significant efforts to reestablish military communication channels with China, as relations between the two global powers show signs of improvement. Despite the vacancy in the Chinese position, Austin’s office has officially requested a meeting at the upcoming Asean Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a positive step towards dialogue, according to a senior U.S. defense official.
The need for reconnection stems from severed military contacts following a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022. In response to this visit, the People’s Liberation Army launched unprecedented exercises in proximity to the democratic island, prompting a halt in military engagement. While Austin sought a meeting with the previous Chinese defense minister, Li Shangfu, China declined, insisting that the U.S. lift financial sanctions imposed on Li in 2018 for weapons sales to Russia.
However, signs of improvement have emerged recently, with plans for President Joe Biden to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November. This meeting would mark their first engagement in a year. Furthermore, the relationship has been boosted by high-level visits between the two nations, with at least four U.S. cabinet-level officials traveling to Beijing since June. In addition, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Washington in late October to hold talks with President Biden and other senior officials.
A positive development in the U.S.-China relationship is the resumption of dedicated talks on maritime issues—such discussions hadn’t taken place since September 2019. While broader meetings have touched upon the South China Sea and Taiwan, these recent maritime talks hold significance. Furthermore, amid concerns over Beijing’s nuclear weapon expansion, the two nations are engaging in nuclear arms control discussions, marking a rare occurrence.
During the maritime discussions, Chinese officials voiced their concerns about U.S. and allied patrols in what the U.S. considers international airspace and waters, labeling them as “close reconnaissance.” The talks were described by the U.S. as “substantive, constructive, and candid,” with a reiterated call for the resumption of military-military channels.
Nonetheless, tensions do persist, as both the U.S. and China have recently accused each other of provocative or unprofessional actions in the South China Sea. Encounters between naval vessels and warplanes have been documented through video releases, raising the risk of incidents escalating into more significant confrontations.
The pursuit of further engagement between Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart highlights the commitment of both nations to bridging gaps and improving bilateral relations. Ongoing dialogue and honest discussions will be instrumental in establishing a stable and cooperative platform, contributing to peace and stability in the region.
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