US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to meet his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore at the end of May. This comes after China conducted war games around Taiwan following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, who has vowed to protect Taiwan’s democracy. The meeting between Austin and Dong was expected, as communication between the US and China has been increasing to reduce tensions. The meeting will be a significant step in the resumption of military dialogue between the two countries.
President Joe Biden’s administration has been working to improve relations with China, as evidenced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Beijing and Shanghai. However, defence talks between the two countries had been slow to progress until Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to resume military dialogue during a summit with Biden last year. This meeting between Austin and Dong is part of ongoing efforts to improve communication and reduce friction between the US and China.
In addition to the meeting in Singapore, Austin will travel to Cambodia for talks with defence ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and end his trip in France. This trip comes at a time when the US is seeking to strengthen ties with allies and partners in the region. Despite a recent medical procedure, Austin is pushing forward with his travel plans and will hand over duties temporarily to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks. The trip will culminate with Austin joining President Biden in commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France.
The meeting between Austin and Dong at the Shangri-La Dialogue is significant as it marks a resumption of substantive talks between the two countries’ defence chiefs after a gap of nearly 18 months. China’s recent military drills around Taiwan have raised concerns about its intentions towards the self-ruling island, which Beijing claims as its own. Taiwan has been a contentious issue in US-China relations, and Austin’s meeting with Dong is a crucial step in managing tensions and fostering dialogue between the two countries on security issues.
The Biden administration’s efforts to engage with China on a range of issues signal a desire to prevent escalation and maintain stability in the region. By resuming military dialogue and engaging in high-level meetings, the US is working to promote cooperation and de-escalate potential conflicts. The upcoming meeting between Austin and Dong will provide an opportunity for both sides to address security concerns and strengthen communication channels. Overall, the meeting reflects a broader effort by the US to manage its relationship with China and promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
