After an prolonged chill between the 2 militaries, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with China’s defence minister, Admiral Dong Jun, on Tuesday, the primary such communication together with his Chinese language counterpart in over two years and the primary time since Dong was appointed in December.
The contact follows a protracted interval of stress, diplomatic snubs, rhetoric and close to misses within the South China Sea between the 2 militaries.
Dong and Austin mentioned US-China “defence relations and regional and international safety points”, based on a Pentagon readout of their video name. “Secretary Austin underscored the significance of respect for top seas freedom of navigation assured underneath worldwide legislation, particularly within the South China Sea.”
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Chinese language floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint
Chinese language floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint
The 2 additionally mentioned Russia’s struggle towards Ukraine, latest provocations by North Korea, US-Chinese language defence relations and international safety points, the Pentagon stated.
“The secretary additionally reiterated that the USA stays dedicated to our long-standing one China coverage, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act,” the Defence Division stated, “and he reaffirmed the significance of peace and stability throughout the strait.”
Philippines, US, Japan to spice up cooperation to discourage Beijing in South China Sea
Philippines, US, Japan to spice up cooperation to discourage Beijing in South China Sea
The US readout cited the significance of open traces of communication between the 2 militaries and reaffirmed the choice eventually yr’s summit that each side resume phone conversations between theatre commanders.
“The secretary additionally reiterated that the USA will proceed to fly, sail and function – safely and responsibly – wherever worldwide legislation permits,” the Pentagon stated. “Secretary Austin underscored the significance of respect for top seas freedom of navigation assured underneath worldwide legislation, particularly within the South China Sea.”
