China-U.S. Defense Meeting Develops Communication Between States

On June 10th, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore. Though each side distinctly asserted certain opposing views, specifically on the issue of Taiwan, the meeting served as an important signifier of efforts to expand lines of communication between American and Chinese militaries.

Austin told reporters that the meeting was “an important step in our efforts to develop open lines of communication with P.L.A. [People Liberation Army] leadership” and “an important opportunity to raise our concerns about the potential for instability in the Taiwan Strait.” In a June 12th speech, Wei said it was up to the United States to improve the bi-lateral relationship with China, as ties were at a critical juncture.

Though limited in its scope, this meeting unarguably demonstrates authentic efforts towards the creation of robust international dialogue. Active attempts to further expand communication networks between nations is the first step in the creation of more diplomatic processes. Additionally, though disagreements are natural in communication, especially between nations, disputes are much easier to properly manage when methods of communication are established. Developing these communication systems can allow the participants to seek comprehensive strategies to ease conflict and avoid reliance on combat.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s leading defense summit, where officials discuss the region’s security challenges and engage in bi-lateral discussions. The U.S. and China moved to discuss Taiwan’s specific security challenge in addition to its efforts to expand lines of communication. The U.S. is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms supplier, which serves as a major source of animosity between the U.S. and China.

China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, has increased military activity near the island over the past two years in response to the ties between Taipei and Washington. However, despite a history of tensions between the United States and China, communication has remained a goal between the two states. U.S. military officials have long sought to keep lines of communication with Chinese military officials open in order to mitigate potential issues or accidents.

Despite their disagreements, actively expanding communication will prove beneficial for both Washington and Beijing. Communication networks allow for understanding, comprehension, and diplomacy between parties. Though disagreements may be both inevitable and enigmatic, enabling methods of reaching compromise is a step in the right direction for the U.S. and China. Mitigating issues and straying away from combative solutions to conflict are just a few of the potential benefits both states could experience when moving toward diplomacy in this way.

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