United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in the first dialogue between the two countries' defense chiefs in nearly 17 months. They discussed defense relations and global security issues, including the situation in Ukraine and tensions in the South China Sea.
The Bottom Line
The call between the US and Chinese defense chiefs is an important step in maintaining communication and preventing conflicts between the two military powers. It highlights the ongoing concerns over China's behavior in the South China Sea and the importance of peace and stability in the region.
The Breakdown
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun held a phone call to discuss defense relations and global security issues.
The topics discussed included Russia's war in Ukraine, recent provocations from North Korea, and the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
China has been asserting its desire to control access to the South China Sea and bring Taiwan under its control, while the US has stated its commitment to defending Taiwan.
Tensions have also risen between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, with China using aggressive tactics to intimidate Filipino fishing ships and hinder Philippine resupply and patrol missions.
