File image used for representational purpose only | Photo credit: Reuters
A senior US military official warned his Chinese counterpart against Beijing’s “dangerous” moves in the region. South China Sea This was the first meeting of its kind between commanders.
Differences remain between Washington and Beijing on issues ranging from trade to the state of terrorism. self-ruled taiwan and China’s increasingly aggressive stance in disputed maritime areas.
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But they have called for the resumption of regular military talks to prevent the dispute from spiraling out of control.
US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Samuel Paparo and Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command chief Wu Yanan spoke via video call on Tuesday Chinese time.
A statement from his command said Mr. Paparo “underscored the importance of continued lines of communication between U.S. forces and the PLA.”
“Such discussions among senior leaders clarify intentions and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation,” he said.
But he also raised the issue of the Chinese side’s recent “insecure relations with US allies.”
The statement, referring to the Chinese military by its official name, said Mr. Paparo “urged the PLA to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive and potentially escalating tactics in the South China Sea and beyond.”
Mr Wu’s Southern Theater Command is responsible for Beijing’s military activities in the South China Sea, where Chinese ships have engaged in several high-profile confrontations with Philippine vessels in recent months.
China claims almost all of the economically vital body of water, while other countries are contesting their claims and an international court has ruled that its claim has no legal basis.
This month, Beijing insisted it was defending its “rights” in the waters after the Philippines released footage showing a Chinese coast guard vessel rammed one of its ships during a confrontation at sea.
‘Intensive’ talks
A Beijing statement about the talks said Wu had an “in-depth exchange of views” with his US counterpart.
It said the two officials discussed “issues of common concern”.
The talks were the first of their kind since China ended military communications with the United States in 2022 in response to a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
Tuesday’s high-level military talks between the geopolitical rivals come shortly after the first visit of a US national security adviser to China since 2016.
Top White House aide Jake Sullivan visited Beijing last month, where he held talks with senior military official Zhang Youxia.
The White House said that in Mr. Sullivan’s meeting with Zhang, officials agreed to hold talks between theater commanders of the two sides in the near future.
Washington said the top ally also raised the importance of “freedom of navigation” in the South China Sea and “stability” in the Taiwan Strait.
In turn, Mr Zhang warned that the status of the self-ruled island is “the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations”.
Mr. Zhang said, “China demands that the US stop military cooperation with Taiwan, stop supplying arms to Taiwan, and stop spreading false propaganda about Taiwan.”
He also called on the US to “work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers.”
Published – September 10, 2024 12:12 pm IST