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During a phone chat with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe emphasised that the US should not underestimate China’s commitment and capacity.
The two Defense Ministers also discussed marine and aviation security, as well as the situation in Ukraine, during their phone call. According to China’s state-run news agency Xinhua, Mr Wei stated that China and the United States must work hard to implement the agreement struck between the two leaders of state.
Mr Wei stated that China wishes to create solid and stable major-country ties with the United States, but that in the meanwhile, China will safeguard its national interests and dignity.
Mr. Wei also urged the US not to “underestimate China’s commitment and capacity.”
He stated that the two militaries should increase mutual confidence, strengthen conversation and exchanges, manage risks and crises, and carry out practical collaboration in order to secure the normal and stable growth of bilateral military-to-military relations.
Mr Wei highlighted that if the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, it will have a negative impact on China-US relations, adding that the “Chinese military will resolutely preserve national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
According to Xinhua, US Defense Secretary Austin stated that the US will increase military exchanges and cooperation with China in an open and frank manner. He stated that the two sides must manage rivalry and dangers responsibly, as well as deal with the issues that the two militaries face.
Secretay Austin remarked on Twitter, “We addressed US-PRC defence relations, regional security challenges, and Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.”
The call was a follow-up to a video conference held on March 18 between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.
According to US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, the US would continue to closely monitor China’s support for Russia in Ukraine.
“We’re going to keep a critical eye, a careful check on the level of support the PRC (People’s Republic of China) demonstrates towards Russia,” Mr Price said during a press conference.
Mr Price went on to say that if China sends arms or supplies to Russia for its campaign in Ukraine, or if it assists Moscow in evading Western sanctions, there will be serious consequences for China.
