A senior US military officer held a virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart on Thursday (December 21) amid hopes from US officials that it could lead to a broader restoration of ties between the two countries.
The video conference was held after an agreement between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping last month to resume ties between the militaries. The ties were severed after then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022.
US Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Liu Zhenli of China’s People’s Liberation Army discussed “a number of global and regional security issues,” according to Brown’s office.
“Gen. Brown discussed the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication. Gen. Brown reiterated the importance of the People’s Liberation Army engaging in substantive dialogue to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings.”
Brown reported that he sent Liu a welcome letter last month saying he was open to a meeting. Liu stated that the key to developing a healthy, stable and sustainable military-to-military relationship between the US and China was “a correct understanding of China.”
US officials warned that even with some restoration of military communications, establishing a truly functional dialogue between the two sides could take time. However, some analysts suggest China is seeking ambiguity in defence relations to limit what Beijing sees as US military provocations in the region.
Regarding the Taiwan issue, which China considers an internal matter, Liu commented that the Chinese armed forces would resolutely defend state sovereignty and territorial integrity. Liu also called on the US to respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, as well as interests in the South China Sea.
Be prudent in words and actions, and take concrete actions to safeguard regional peace and stability and the overall situation of China-US relations.
Liu emerged as the top contender to replace China’s national defence minister, General Li Shangfu, who was ousted on suspicion of corruption related to equipment procurement and development.
