BEIJING: Senior military leaders from China and the United States held extensive discussions on Tuesday (Sep 10), according to Beijing's defense ministry.
Despite ongoing disagreements on issues such as trade, Taiwan’s status, and China’s assertive stance in disputed maritime regions, both nations are aiming to revive regular military dialogues to prevent tensions from escalating into conflict.
On Tuesday, Beijing's defense ministry announced that Wu Yanan, head of the Chinese army’s Southern Theater Command, had a thorough exchange of views with Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command.
The two commanders discussed "issues of common concern", marking the first dialogue of its kind, according to the ministry.
Paparo urged China’s People’s Liberation Army to reconsider its use of "dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics" in the South China Sea and other areas, according to a statement from the Indo-Pacific Command, which described the talks as "constructive and respectful."
He emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions to clarify intentions and reduce the risk of misunderstandings or miscalculations.
The Southern Theater Command oversees China’s military activities in the South China Sea, an area where Chinese vessels have recently been involved in high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships.
China claims nearly all of this economically significant region, despite competing claims from other nations and an international court ruling invalidating its claim.
This high-level military discussion comes shortly after the first visit by a US national security advisor to China since 2016. Last month, top White House aide Jake Sullivan met with senior Chinese military official Zhang Youxia in Beijing.
During their meeting, the two officials agreed to arrange a call between the theater commanders of both nations, according to the White House.
Sullivan also underscored the importance of "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines have had recent clashes, and stressed the need for "stability" in the Taiwan Strait, Washington said.
Zhang reiterated that Taiwan is "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations," and called on the US to stop military ties with Taiwan, halt arms sales to the island, and cease spreading false narratives regarding Taiwan.
He also urged the US to collaborate with China in enhancing communication between the two militaries and to jointly take on the responsibilities expected of major powers
