China-US tension: Beijing worries that Esper’s exit raises risk of military action and accidents

Appointment of Christopher Miller as acting US defence secretary raises red flags, according to military observers

Joint exercises this week between US marines and Taiwanese troops seen by Beijing as ‘challenging its bottom line’

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US Defence Secretary Mark Esper was fired by US President Donald Trump on November 9. Esper was seen as ready to communicate with China. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:00pm, 10 Nov 2020Updated: 6:33am, 11 Nov 2020

The firing of US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has triggered worries in Beijing about the increasing risk of accidental conflict as well as the possibility of more hardline action by the Pentagon against Beijing, according to military analysts.

The departure of Esper has long been expected – he had previously contradicted US President Donald Trump. But Beijing remains worried that tensions may spike now because the US official was seen as willing to communicate with Beijing.

The appointment of Christopher Miller as acting defence secretary is also a concern.

“Miller has a strong special forces background. He joined the special forces and commanded it and specialises in surprise attacks and adventure operations,” said Beijing-based military expert Zhou Chenming.

Christopher Miller is acting secretary of defence after Trump announced he had “terminated” US Defence Secretary Mark Esper. Photo: Reuters

Zhou said China was concerned about “possible military adventures” because the US had already stepped up its security ties with Taiwan and other claimants of the disputed South China Sea, moves that dismayed Beijing.

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