DOD Officials ‘Encouraged’ by Prospect of Direct Talks with China’s Military
In the wake of a rise in China's intercepts of U.S. aircraft, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said direct communication could keep situations from ‘spiraling out of control.’
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto arrive at the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday. [Courtesy: DOD]
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. and China have agreed to restore direct military-to-military communications following a meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping.
U.S. defense officials, including Secretary Austin and National Security Adviser Sullivan, are encouraged by this decision, viewing it as essential for national security, preventing miscalculations, and managing potential crises.
This resumption of ties is particularly important given a recent increase in Chinese military intercepts of U.S. aircraft in international airspace, which necessitated better communication channels.
Defense officials are encouraged by the prospect of the U.S. resuming communications directly with China’s military, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday.
Austin’s comments come one day after President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to restore a military-to-military communication agreement.
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