US, China defense chiefs hold first talks in nearly 18 months

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South China Sea,West Philippine Sea

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun via video teleconference Tuesday, in the first substantive talks between the superpowers' defense chiefs in nearly 18 months.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a meeting with Albanian Defense Minister Niko Peleshi at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, January 26, 2023.WASHINGTON, United States — US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun via video teleconference Tuesday, in the first substantive talks between the superpowers' defense chiefs in nearly 18 months.

Austin also "reiterated that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate -- safely and responsibly -- wherever international law allows," and "underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea.""China and the United States should... take peace as the most precious, stability as the most important," Dong told Austin, according to a Beijing readout.

Austin's last significant interaction with a Chinese counterpart occurred in November 2022 when he met with Wei Fenghe in Cambodia. Disputes over the South China Sea -- which Beijing claims almost in its entirety -- is another potential flashpoint, with clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels stoking fears of wider conflict.

South China Sea West Philippine Sea

 

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