US-China defense ministers talk by phone for the first time, no breakthrough

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin – Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters news agency, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the two ministers talked about the relationship between the two countries and the issues regional securityand Russia’s special military operation into Ukraine.

An unnamed US official said the call lasted about 45 minutes and there were no major breakthroughs. Mr. Austin reiterated the importance of Beijing not arming Russia.

Xinhua reported that Wei told his US counterpart that China and the US should seriously implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state.

China hopes to establish a good and stable relationship between the two major countries with the US, adding that in the meantime, China will protect its national interests and dignity.

Wei said the US should not underestimate China’s determination and capabilities. The militaries of the two countries should enhance mutual trust, strengthen dialogue and exchange, manage risks and crises, and carry out practical cooperation to ensure the normal and stable development of the two countries. bilateral military relations.

Mr. Wei told Mr. Austin, Taiwan is part of China and no one can change this fact. If the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, it will damage Sino-US relations, and the Chinese military resolutely safeguards national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Mr. Austin replied that the US would strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with China in a frank and open manner, and that the US adheres to the one-China policy.

Mr. Austin also said that the two sides should manage competition and risks responsibly and properly handle the difficulties that the militaries of the two countries are facing.

In addition, the two sides also discussed issues such as maritime and aviation security.

Over the years, relations between China and the US have become strained. The world’s two largest economies are at odds over many issues, from Taiwan to China’s military activity in the South China Sea.