In a significant development, the highest-ranking military officials from the United States and China engaged in a historic dialogue, ending a year-long silence that had raised concerns within the Pentagon, according to reports. General CQ Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, initiated a video conference call with his Chinese counterpart, General Liu Zhenli of the People’s Liberation Army of China. This marked the first conversation between the two leaders since Gen Brown assumed his role as chairman, highlighting the importance of renewed communication channels.
The communication blackout had persisted for over a year, triggered by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022. China responded with military drills around the island, leading to heightened tensions. The lack of dialogue became a source of concern for the Pentagon, especially in light of various incidents, including a Chinese spy balloon traversing the continental US and an increase in “coercive and risky” behavior by Chinese pilots against US aircraft in the East and South China Seas, as reported by a media agency.
During the video conference, General Brown emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to responsibly manage competition, prevent miscalculations, and maintain open lines of communication. Joint Staff spokesperson Captain Jereal Dorsey highlighted that Gen Brown discussed the need for substantive dialogue to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings. The restoration of communication was identified as a priority in the recent talks between President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping, with President Biden emphasizing his commitment to managing the situation in a rational and manageable manner to avoid conflict.
US military leaders had expressed concerns for months regarding the lack of communication. The Pentagon, following the meeting between Biden and Xi, announced active coordination with Beijing to establish communication channels. In June, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a brief encounter with then-PRC Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, but no substantive exchange occurred. One of the key issues discussed in the recent conversation between Gen Brown and Gen Liu Zhenli was the opening of communication channels between the US Indo-Pacific Command and the People’s Liberation Army Eastern and Southern Theatre Commands.
Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, had previously stated that his standing request to speak with his Chinese counterparts had been ignored throughout his tenure. Aquilino emphasized ongoing efforts to engage with China but noted differing opinions on the matter. “[T]he theme here is we continue to try to engage with our partner,” Aquilino said, “but there’s a different opinion there,” as reported by CNN.
The resumption of communication channels between the US and Chinese military leaders is seen as a positive step in managing international relations and preventing potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Comments