Saturday, U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin expressed grave concern over China’s unwillingness to engage in military crisis management and cautioned that dialogue is essential to averting conflict.
The relationship between the United States and China is at its lowest point in decades, as they remain profoundly divided on issues ranging from Taiwan’s sovereignty to surveillance and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Austin stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier security summit, that open lines of communication between U.S. and Chinese defense and military leaders were crucial for preventing conflict and enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific.
“I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries,” said Austin at the Singapore meeting.
“The more we communicate, the greater our ability to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations that could result in crisis or conflict.”
Li Shangfu, China’s Minister of National Defence, declined an invitation to meet Austin at the security summit this week. On Sunday, a general sanctioned by the United States, Li, delivers his speech.
The Pentagon said the two shook hands Friday but did not talk.
“A cordial handshake over dinner is not a substitute for a substantive engagement,” said Austin.
Since US Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a visit to China in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was spotted soaring across the United States, dialogue between the two countries has stalled.
The Chinese embassy’s Washington spokesman, Liu Pengyu, said in an email on Friday that communication was improving understanding.
“However, the United States now claims it wants to speak with the Chinese side while continuing to seek China’s suppression by any means possible and impose sanctions on Chinese officials, institutions, and companies,” the statement read.
During the summit, China will hold bilateral discussions with the defense commanders of a dozen nations, according to comments made by the former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences, Lieutenant General He Lei, as reported by the Global Times on Saturday.
Taiwan concerns
The two nations’ most intractable security issue is Taiwan, a democratically controlled country Beijing wants to enslave.
There are growing concerns that China could invade Taiwan, involving the United States.
Austin cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an illustration of “how dangerous our world would become if large countries could invade their peaceful neighbors without consequence.”
He said the US is “deeply committed” to Taiwan’s status quo and opposes unilateral changes by any party.
“Conflict is neither inevitable nor imminent. Today, deterrence is strong, and it is our responsibility to maintain it that way,” said Austin.
Austin’s words could provoke conflict in the Asia-Pacific region, notably over Taiwan, according to Chinese senior colonel Zhao Xiaozhuo.
“It (the US) wants instability in Taiwan so that it can bring its soldiers to Taiwan and profit from selling military weapons to Taiwan,” said Zhao, a researcher at the Chinese Military Academy.
US military authorities said Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his forces to prepare for a 2027 Taiwan invasion.
Austin responded to Xi’s plans with, “It does not mean that he has decided to do that.”
President Joe Biden has improved relations with Australia, Japan, India, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
Beijing has criticized Australia’s March announcement that it would purchase US nuclear-powered submarines.
The 30-year AUKUS submarine programme will cost A$368 billion.
“(AUKUS) promotes greater stability and security,” stated Austin.
