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China rejects meeting with US defense secretary
China has refused to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a conference in Laos. The move reflects tensions in the two countries' defense relations.
China rejects meeting with US defense secretary
Relations between the US and Chinese defense secretaries have reached a new low. This week, China declined to meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a conference in Southeast Asia. This is the latest step in a difficult and tense relationship between the two countries.
US Secretary of Defense seeks dialogue
Defense Secretary Austin had attempted to meet his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting in Laos. This is part of a long-term strategy to maintain military communication channels between the United States and the People's Republic of China. But China rejected the offer, citing recent arms sales to Taiwan as the reason, a senior defense official told reporters traveling with Austin in Laos.
Arms sale to Taiwan sparks tensions
Three weeks ago the US approved one $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which included, among other things, the first delivery of advanced surface-to-air missiles to the self-governing island. China immediately criticized the sale and said it would take “firm countermeasures” to defend its sovereignty.
Background of diplomatic tensions
The rejection of the meeting in Laos comes just days after a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Peru. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan called the meeting “candid, constructive and comprehensive.” However, he made it clear that Biden would not act as an intermediary between the Chinese government and the incoming Trump administration.
History of communication interruptions
China has often resorted to canceling meetings and communication channels in the past to express its dissatisfaction with the United States. After then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022, China suspended numerous communication channels with the US, including military and environmental talks.
Improving military communications
The rejection of the meeting comes after an apparent improvement in the situation military communications between the two countries last year. It remains to be seen whether and how the relationship will develop in the future.