Talks vital to avoid US-Chinese conflict – State Sec.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed on Saturday the importance of talks with China to avoid confrontation.

In a statement quoted by Singapore’s Channel NewsAsia (CNA), during the security summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) held in Singapore, Austin underlined the need to create communication between American and Chinese military leaders to enhance stability in Asia and the Pacific region, expressing deep concern over China’s refusal to cooperate with Washington in resolving the military crisis.

The relations between the two countries have reached an unprecedented deterioration in decades, as the two sides have divergent points of views on all issues including Taiwan’s sovereignty, espionage and regional conflict in South China Sea, said Austin.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a living example of what happens when a big country invades its neighbors without punishment, said Austin, adding that the US is strictly commited to protect stability in Taiwan.

China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu refused to meet Austin in the summit this week. However, the US Department of Defense said the two officials shook hands yesterday during the summit.

Shaking hands isn’t a substitute for serious talks, said Austin, noting the the US does not wish to engage in a new cold war or conflict.

Source: Kuwait News Agency