US Admiral John Richardson to hold talks with China’s top military leaders
- Chief of naval operations wants to ‘continue dialogue’ to reduce risk, explore areas of common interest, US navy says
- Visit comes as Washington, Beijing are engaged in a multipronged dispute on trade, technology and the South China Sea
A top US navy official will begin a four-day visit to China on Sunday as the two nations look to reduce tensions amid increasing geopolitical and military rivalry.
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson will meet his counterpart, Vice-Admiral Shen Jinlong, and other members of China’s Central Military Commission during a visit to Beijing and the eastern city of Nanjing, which runs through Wednesday, the US navy said in a statement on Friday.
The purpose of the trip – Richardson’s second to China as head of operations – is to “continue a results-oriented, risk reduction focused dialogue between the two militaries”, the statement said.
It comes at a time as Beijing and Washington are engaged in a multipronged dispute over trade, technology and the South China Sea. The latter is one of the world’s most valuable waterways and Beijing’s increasingly aggressive stance within it has stoked fears of a major power clash between China and the US.
“I am looking forward to this trip,” Richardson was quoted as saying in the statement. “A routine exchange of views is essential, especially in times of friction, to reduce risk and avoid miscalculation. Honest and frank dialogue can improve the relationship in constructive ways, help explore areas where we share common interests, and reduce risk while we work through our differences.”
Song Zhongping, a Hong Kong-based military commentator, said the admiral’s visit could help to strengthen military ties and avoid miscalculations between the two navies, especially as Beijing deals with the challenge of an increased US naval presence in the region through its more frequent patrols.