Security forum shows China-US tension can be eased by talking
- The defence chiefs of both countries finally met face to face at the Shangri-La Dialogue and calls for better communication, not sabre-rattling, were the result
This year’s Shangri-La Dialogue security forum could well be one of the most significant in the gathering’s history. With tensions between China and the United States at their highest for decades, it enabled the defence chiefs of both countries to finally meet face to face.
If there was any confusion over issues such as Taiwan and military alliances, positions have now been made clear. Dialogue and consultation, not sabre-rattling, are the best way to move forward.
The annual forum in Singapore was the first since 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic having prevented in-person meetings. Such interaction has enabled views to be candidly and succinctly expressed, and that is what State Councillor and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe did during talks with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin.
In Beijing’s clearest warning to Washington over Taiwan, he reiterated its red lines and that the People’s Liberation Army would “fight at all costs to defend the country’s territory, sovereignty and integrity”.
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The comment is not aimed at provoking, but ensuring the US takes the issue seriously and ends sending confusing messages. Austin pledged Washington was committed to abiding by the one-China principle. The South China Sea and Ukraine crisis were among other issues discussed.