Chinese Defense Minister Emphasizes Firm Stance on Taiwan and South China Sea in Call with U.S.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun engaged in a video call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin where he expressed China's unwavering position on the Taiwan issue, emphasizing that it is a core interest that will not be compromised. Dong urged the U.S. to recognize and respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. He emphasized the stability of the region and the importance of all parties working together to resolve issues peacefully.

During the call, Dong stressed the significance of the military field in implementing the leaders' consensus and maintaining stable bilateral relations to prevent major crises. He proposed that the Chinese and U.S. militaries prioritize peace, stability, and trust in their interactions, aiming to build a non-conflictual and gradually trust-building relationship based on equality and respect. Dong also highlighted the need for their militaries to serve as a stable foundation for the overall development of bilateral relations.

The call between the two defense ministers took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, with the leaders of the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines expressing concern over China's activities in the South China Sea. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, underscored the strategic significance of the communication channel reopening between the two countries, particularly given the U.S.' recent efforts to strengthen alliances in the region. However, Chinese observers remained skeptical about the true intentions behind the U.S.' move, suggesting that it could potentially lead to further tensions in the region rather than de-escalation.

Despite the call being seen as symbolically important in resuming military communication channels, there are doubts about whether it will effectively ease regional tensions, especially amid concerns that the U.S. may be seeking to portray itself as a responsible mediator while pursuing actions that could exacerbate conflicts in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits. Li warned that the contradictory nature of the U.S.' approach, with words that reflect responsibility but actions that lack a consistent approach, could complicate future interactions between China and the U.S.