A historic diplomatic breakthrough occurred on Monday and Tuesday when US and Chinese defense officials coordinated policies at the Pentagon.
US, China resume in-person military policy coordination talks (Photo: Google)
After the pandemic pause, US-China defense talks resume.
Defenders from the two nations haven’t met since before the coronavirus epidemic. China, Taiwan, and Mongolia Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase met with Major General Song Yanchao, deputy director of China’s Central Military Commission Office for International Military Cooperation. Xi Jinping and Joe Biden met in California in November to begin discussions.
Chase urged Washington and Beijing to maintain military-to-military cooperation to prevent grave mistakes in the summits. Chase’s focus on safe Indo-Pacific operations was mirrored by Pentagon spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Martin Meiners, who stressed the US’s commitment to international law.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict and North Korean provocations were discussed. Chase reiterated the U.S. commitment to Taiwan Strait stability and China. Since China has harassed genuine Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, he also reviewed international law controlling freedom of navigation.
READ ALSO: Tensions Rise In South China Sea As U.S. And China Conduct Competing Naval Exercises
Despite Complexities, US and China Renew Military Engagement
Following the November deal, these policy coordination talks reflect a commitment to military-to-military cooperation. Due to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s August 2022 trip to Taiwan, Beijing ended these annual consultations. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Charles Brown and Chinese Joint Staff Department Chief General Liu Zhenli held a video conference on December 21.
Top US and Chinese officials are planning spring marine discussions, according to Pentagon insiders. The U.S. and China continue to address complex issues and maintain military communication.
READ ALSO: Tensions Rise As US And China Engage In South China Sea Drills, Beijing Condemns “Provocative Moves”
