During his first meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stressed the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication at multiple levels between the United States and China.
The two men met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore today to discuss U.S.-China defense relations and regional and global security issues.
The Secretary expressed concern over recent provocative actions by the Chinese military around the Taiwan Strait, and reiterated that China should not use Taiwan’s political upheaval – part of the normal democratization process – as a pretext for coercive measures.
The United States remains committed to its long-standing “One China” policy, which is based on the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances.
The Secretary also reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Austin stressed the importance of respecting the freedom of navigation on the high seas guaranteed by international law, particularly in the South China Sea.
“The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows,” he said.
He also discussed Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine and China’s role in supporting Russia’s defense industrial base.
The Secretary also expressed concern about recent provocative actions by North Korea, including its direct involvement in Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
Today’s meeting follows the Secretary of Defense’s video conference with his Chinese counterpart on April 16. Pentagon officials said they will continue to have active discussions with Chinese officials on defense and military cooperation at multiple levels.
A senior defense official who attended the 75-minute meeting between the defense secretaries said the secretaries’ discussions were clear, direct, frank, firm and professional.
According to officials, Austin expressed concern about China’s coercive actions against the Philippines and stressed that the U.S. commitment to the ally was “ironclad.”
The official also expressed concern about Chinese support for Russia’s defense sector, telling China’s defense minister that if the support continues, the United States and its allies will be forced to take further action, the official said.
Austin told the defense secretary that China’s developing nuclear, space and cyber capabilities are of concern to the United States, the official said.
