Biden: USA and China resume military communication
After a long period of radio silence, the USA and China want to resume communication between the armed forces of both countries. This was announced by US President Joe Biden after a meeting with China's head of state Xi Jingping in Woodside, south of San Francisco. The step was of "crucial importance", said Biden. Without an exchange, accidents and misunderstandings could occur.
According to the accompanying press from the White House, it is now planned that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet his Chinese counterpart. There will also be operational talks between high-ranking military leaders from both countries. The US commander of the Pacific Air Forces will also take part, it was also reported. Ship commanders are also to exchange information.
Misunderstandings and miscalculations
In recent months, the US government had repeatedly complained that the usual direct military communication with China was not working and that this could lead to dangerous misunderstandings and miscalculations. For example, Beijing had turned down requests for talks at defense minister level.
Washington had repeatedly warned that communication between the military of the two countries was of crucial importance for the responsible management of relations. The Chinese had essentially cut off these communication links, which posed risks.
Rapprochement on various levels
In preparation for the meeting between Biden and Xi, the two countries had recently made renewed efforts to achieve rapprochement at various levels, including through various meetings between high-ranking members of the American and Chinese governments. The two sides also came closer again on a military level at the Xiangshan Forum at the end of October.
After months of radio silence, a US delegation traveled to Beijing for the security dialogue, which is effectively a Chinese version of the Munich Security Conference for the Asia-Pacific region. China's second-highest military commander was open to talking to the US side again.
Tensions in the Indo-Pacific
This is also significant in view of tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The issue of Taiwan, for example, holds great potential for conflict between the USA and China. The island republic, which is only separated from China by a strait, has had a democratic government for decades. However, China considers the country with more than 23 million inhabitants to be part of its territory.
The area is repeatedly the scene of military demonstrations of power. There are concerns that China could invade Taiwan like Russia did Ukraine. Biden had assured Taiwan of military support, including from US troops, in such a case. Beijing, on the other hand, has always forbidden any "interference" by the USA in internal affairs in the past. This has stoked fears that the world could be facing the next major international conflict.
In light of the tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly the issue of Taiwan, the resumption of military communication between the USA and China is of significant importance. As stated by President Joe Biden, without such communication, misunderstandings and potential accidents could arise. Following Biden's meeting with Xi Jingping, it has been planned that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet his Chinese counterpart, along with operational talks between high-ranking military leaders from both nations.
Source: www.dpa.com
