US and Chinese Defense Ministers Hold First Call Since Biden Administration Inauguration...Reaffirm Conflict Relations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] On the 20th (local time), the defense ministers of the US and China held a phone conference for the first time since the inauguration of the Joe Biden administration, reaffirming the conflict between the two countries over issues such as Ukraine and Taiwan.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong on the 21st, Wei Fenghe, China's Minister of National Defense, said during a 45-minute call with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, "China wants to establish a healthy and stable major-country relationship with the United States," adding, "The US should not underestimate China's will and ability to safeguard its national interests and dignity."

Minister Wei particularly warned about the Taiwan issue, calling it "an inseparable part of China," and stated, "If the Taiwan issue is not properly handled, it will have a very adverse effect on bilateral relations." Additionally, during the exchange of views on the Ukraine war, he demanded that the US "stop slandering, beating, threatening, and pressuring China."

He also urged that the two countries pursue mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and avoidance of confrontation, requesting the US to cease military provocations at sea. He called on the US to fulfill President Biden's promise not to support Taiwan independence instead of pursuing a Cold War with China.

Furthermore, he emphasized, "The militaries of the two countries must strengthen military mutual trust and enhance dialogue and exchanges," adding, "We must strengthen risk and crisis management, practical cooperation, and ensure normalization and stable development of military relations."

Secretary Austin mentioned the need to manage strategic competition between the US and China in areas such as nuclear, space, and cyber domains, and to improve communication channels in times of crisis during the call. He also reportedly expressed concerns about China's military provocations toward Taiwan and China's activities in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.