U.S.-China Military Communication

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with China's national defense minister to improve communications and reduce unsafe incidents. They discussed the importance of open military communication and respect for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The U.S. and China have been working to ease tensions since military-to-military contact stalled in 2022.

Key Points

  • Call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China's national defense minister focused on preventing conflict and maintaining stability
  • Efforts to ease tensions and improve relations since military contact stalled in 2022
  • Discussion on Russia's war in Ukraine, concerns about North Korea, and peace in the Taiwan Strait

Pros

  • Improving communication between U.S. and Chinese military
  • Efforts to reduce unsafe and aggressive incidents in the Indo-Pacific
  • Discussion on the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea

Cons

  • Previous tensions and suspensions in military-to-military contact
  • Concerns about aggressive behavior by Chinese vessels in the South China Sea
  • Risk of conflict if coercive behavior continues