Global Leaders Connect, Top US Military Official Holds Strategic Discussions with Chinese Counterpart

A video call between Joint Chiefs Chairman General CQ Brown and Chinese General Liu Zhenli was the first top military communication between the U.S. and China since August 2022.

Photo from Google

U.S.-China Relations on the Mend: Biden Administration Takes Steps to Ease Tensions

After former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi‘s Taiwan visit strained relations, the Biden administration is holding negotiations to restore relations with Beijing. The current contact follows U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping’s San Francisco Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit talks.

Safety concerns between U.S. and Chinese ships and aircraft in the Pacific region prompted the meeting. Brown and Liu stressed responsible competition management, avoiding mistakes, and open communication. Military communications are essential for Indo-Pacific peace and understanding.

The first Cabinet-level discussion with China since Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on December 6 is important. The call’s details are scarce, but authorities underline its necessity to avoid misunderstandings between the two militaries. In the following weeks, bilateral Defense Policy Coordination Talks and China-U.S. Military Maritime Consultative Agreement talks may resume.

READ ALSO: Navy fires commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 136

U.S.-China Military Talks Resume Amidst Regional Concerns and Accusations

China terminated all military contacts with the U.S. after Pelosi’s Taiwan visit in August 2022. Increased military maneuvers challenged conventions and risked clashes. China’s aggressive military maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific have alarmed the Pentagon, which has sought regional partnerships.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Australian and UK defense chiefs to improve technical collaboration and oppose China’s rise. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral John Aquilino also urged China to de-escalate maritime conflicts with Russia.

The Brown-Liu call is welcome, but the U.S. continues to address China’s Indo-Pacific actions and work with partners to ensure stability. However, China’s defense ministry accused the U.S. of inflaming Taiwan and the South China Sea by selling arms to Taiwan.

READ ALSO: Top US military officer speaks with Chinese counterpart