Thursday, 30 September 2021 (YJC)_ Defense officials from China and the U.S. have held two days of talks in a small sign of progress.
Defense officials from China and the U.S. have held two days of talks in a small sign of progress amid a continuing sharp downturn in relations.
The secure video conference held Tuesday and Wednesday was led by Maj. Gen. Huang Xueping, deputy direct of the People’s Liberation Army’s Office for International Military Cooperation, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Michael Chase.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian on Thursday said the sides “exchanged in-depth views on relations between the two countries and the two militaries and issues of common concern.”
However, he blamed “continuous provocation and containment” of China by the U.S. for the “considerable difficulties and challenges” between the two militaries.
“China’s sovereignty, dignity and core interests brook no violations," Wu said at a monthly briefing. “Regarding the relationship between the two armed forces, we welcome communication, welcome cooperation, face differences and oppose coercion."
In a statement issued in Washington, Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners said the meeting was “an important component of the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing effort to responsibly manage the competition between the U.S. and the PRC by maintaining open lines of communication with the PRC."
During the talks, he said the two sides held “a frank, in-depth, and open discussion on a range of issues.”
“Both sides reaffirmed consensus to keep communication channels open. The U.S. side also made clear our commitment to uphold shared principles with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.
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