Will US and China change course in South China Sea after defence ministers’ call?

The call between Dong Jun and Lloyd Austin comes after a series of clashes between the Chinese coastguard and the Philippines, a US ally

Efforts to restore communications between the two countries’ militaries may prevent things escalating, but analysts doubt either will change their strategy

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Tensions are running high following a series of clashes between the Chinese coastguard and Philippine ships. Photo: Reuters

Hayley Wongin BeijingandSeong Hyeon Choiin Hong Kong

Published: 8:20pm, 17 Apr 2024Updated: 8:51pm, 17 Apr 2024

This week’s talks between the Chinese and US defence ministers are not expected to “change the dynamic” in the South China Sea even if they help reduce the risk of the situation getting out of control.

In talks where the issue was high on the agenda, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun told his American counterpart Lloyd Austin that “the South China Sea was generally stable and regional countries have the willingness, wisdom, and ability to resolve questions” by themselves.

Dong said Washington should recognise China’s “firm position” on the South China Sea, respect its territorial and maritime rights, and “take practical actions to maintain regional peace and the stability of relations between China and the United States”, according to the Chinese defence ministry.

“The Chinese and US militaries should build a relationship with no conflict or confrontation, open up for pragmatic cooperation, and gradually accumulate mutual trust, and truly serve as a stable cornerstone for the development of bilateral relations,” he added.

China claims most the disputed waters despite multiple competing claims from Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.

Recent months have seen repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine coastguard ships around a disputed reef, which the latter claims as part of its exclusive economic zone. Manila has also strengthened its military relationship with the United States, its long-standing ally.