Talks with China essential to reduce conflict: US

US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd AustinSaturday (June 3, 2023) China For refusing to negotiate on issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea issues. Austin is in Singapore for this The Shangri-La ConversationAsia’s premier security summit

According to the secretary, the dialogue between Washington and Beijing “It is necessary“To avoid a conflict. China refused US request for bilateral meeting between Austin Li ShangfuChinese Defense Minister, on the sidelines of the summit.

“I am deeply concerned about the PRC [República Popular da China] Not ready to engage more actively in developing mechanisms for crisis management”, said Austin, quoted by the agency Reuters. “The more we talk, the more we can avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crises or conflicts.“

Chinese Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told reporters at the summit:Sino-US military relations face difficulties, and responsibility rests squarely“Americans.”China attaches importance to the development of China-US military relations, and our contacts and communications have never been suspended.“, he spoke.

Li Shangfu and Lloyd Austin met during the summit on Friday (June 2). According to the Pentagon, there was no conversation, they just shook hands.

“A warm handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantial commitment.Austin said.

Relations between China and the US have been strained since last year arrival The then Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi The Taiwan, in August. Although the island has been governed independently since 1949, China considers it a breakaway province as part of its territory.

Tensions rose when the US overthrew the country in February Chinese balloon It was used for espionage – China denies. The Americans warned Beijing against supplying arms to Russia and sanctioned Taiwan’s president. Tsai Ing-wenGo to America and, among others, detected With the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.

Austin cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “How dangerous our world would become if great nations invaded their peaceful neighbors with impunity”.

He declared that America ““Deep Commitment” In defense Current status Opposes unilateral changes in Taiwan. “Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Prevention is strong today, and it’s our job to keep it that way.“, he said.