US-China Relations Updates

Two high-ranking officials from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army responded today (6/3) to US Defense Secretary Austin’s concerns about the lack of communication between US and Chinese military officials, stating that China is willing to talk as long as the US stops interfering in Taiwan affairs. They emphasized that “China will not take orders during its peaceful rise.”

The US had sought to arrange an official meeting between US Defense Secretary Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu during the Shangri-La Dialogue, but China refused, citing US sanctions against Li for purchasing military equipment from Russia in 2018. China demanded that the US lift the sanctions, but the US has said it has no plans to do so.

Zhao Xiaozhuo, deputy director of the Academy of Military Sciences of the People’s Liberation Army, said that Austin’s comments indicate that he is concerned and somewhat anxious. He added that talks are possible but cannot be conducted in an aggressive manner. The US should stop containing China, especially in regard to Taiwan, and then China will be willing to talk.

Major General He Lei, who was also present at the Shangri-La Dialogue, said that the US sanctions against Li were unfair and that the US should bear full responsibility for the lack of high-level talks between the two countries during the forum. He also stated that the US is challenging China’s bottom line and damaging US-China relations. While Li and Austin shook hands at the opening dinner of the forum, He emphasized that the US must “correct its mistakes” and that the two countries are still engaged in talks at the mid-level official level.

Regarding Austin’s speech this year, which was apparently milder than last year’s, He said that the US should not mention China or the South China Sea, and emphasized that “China will not take orders during its peaceful rise.”