China, US military officials talk amid tension over trilateral defense pact
Beijing, Sep 30 (EFE).- Senior Chinese and American defense officials have held virtual talks amid trade and military tensions escalated recently by a trilateral strategic alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Chinese Defense Ministry Thursday said, Maj. Gen. Huang Xueping, deputy director of Chinese International Military Cooperation, and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Michael Chase spoke via video conference two days ago.
The two officials “exchanged in-depth views on ties between the two countries and the two militaries and addressed issues of common interest,” ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said.
Wu told reporters that Beijing hoped that the US would “correct its mistakes and work with China” on improving bilateral ties.
He said the talks took place when bilateral military ties were facing “considerable difficulties and challenges.”
He said the armies of both countries maintained communication.
Wu criticized the “continuous provocations” from the US.
“China’s sovereignty, dignity, and core interests brook no violations,” Wu said.
“Regarding the relationship between the two armed forces, we welcome communication, welcome cooperation, face differences and oppose coercion.”
He said the US still seemed to have “trouble recognizing the reality”, causing difficulties in military ties.
The US Department of Defense said Chase conducted a “secure video conference with Huang on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The meeting is an important component of the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing effort to responsibly manage the competition between the US and (China) by maintaining open lines of communication,” the Pentagon said.
It is the second time the two countries have held talks since Biden came to power.
The fresh round of talks came close on the heels of a controversial military agreement between the US, the UK, and Australia, seen as a counter to Beijing’s expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region.
The trilateral pact aims to reinforce cooperation in advanced defense technologies like artificial intelligence and long-range surveillance.
The pact includes building nuclear-propelled submarines for Australia.
China has reacted sharply to the trilateral pact, accusing these three countries of “undermining peace” and accelerating an arms race in the region. EFE
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