Austin and other U.S. officials are working to strengthen alliances and partnerships in Asia, while also showing signs of attempting to mend relations with China.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (far right) shakes hands with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu (far left) at the opening dinner of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, 2023. Photo: AP
Previously, the US had invited Li Shangfu to hold formal talks with Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, but China declined.
However, the two countries' defense ministers also "spoke briefly at the opening dinner of the Shangri-La Dialogue this evening in Singapore. The two leaders shook hands, but there was no substantive exchange," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement Friday.
Ryder added that the Pentagon believes in maintaining open lines of communication, "and will continue to seek meaningful military discussions at multiple levels to manage the relationship responsibly."
A senior U.S. defense official said the conversation between Mr. Li and Mr. Austin was good, but "a handshake at dinner cannot replace sitting down and having a meaningful exchange."
"The next time they meet, it will be a serious and substantive dialogue – and Minister Austin will have much to say about why this is important when he speaks at the first plenary session of the Dialogue tomorrow (June 3)," the official added.
Relations between the US and China are becoming strained over a number of issues, including the downing of a Chinese balloon flying over the US earlier this year.
Bui Huy (according to CNA, AP, AFP)
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