Defense Secretary Austin: War with China Not Likely in the Near Future

June 1, 2024 TruthUSA

Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining the bilateral dialogue.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that there was no imminent or unavoidable war with China during a defense forum in Singapore on Saturday.

Austin’s comments followed a conversation with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, marking the first in-person meeting between the two defense officials since Beijing cut off contact between the U.S. and Chinese militaries in response to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

The meeting in Singapore was also the first face-to-face discussion between Mr. Dong and his American counterpart. Mr. Dong, who replaced Li Shangfu, was appointed amid speculations of a political purge in the top ranks of the Chinese military’s rocket force.

Austin did not disclose specifics of the conversation but emphasized the importance of reestablishing communication between the two militaries.

He highlighted the significance of talking to identify and address troublesome issues to prevent misperceptions and miscalculations that could lead to escalating conflicts.

According to the Pentagon’s summary, Austin expressed concern about recent provocative actions by Chinese forces near the Taiwan Strait and reiterated that China should not use Taiwan’s presidential transition as an excuse for coercive measures.

US Proxy War Strengthening China and Weakening the United States

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait escalated as the Chinese military conducted large-scale drills near Taiwan as a new leadership took office. The new Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-te, pledged to maintain a moderate approach towards China and uphold the status quo.

The CCP considers Taiwan a renegade province and has expressed willingness to use force to claim the island. The party also made expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, leading to conflicts with neighboring countries.

Despite the threats, Austin believes that reopened dialogue between him and Dong will help de-escalate tensions in the region and prevent a full-scale war.

He emphasized the need for leaders of powerful nations to collaborate and reduce opportunities for misunderstandings and miscalculations to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Austin assured that the U.S. would continue to support the navigation rights of China’s maritime neighbors, especially the Philippines, an ally under a mutual defense treaty.

He reiterated the ironclad commitment to the treaty, underscoring the importance of upholding it in all circumstances.

Austin emphasized the importance of preventing unnecessary conflicts and reiterated the commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.

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