Austin denies contact with Chinese counterpart.

U.S. Defense Secretary Can’t Get in Touch with China’s New Defense Minister

Why It Matters

The U.S. and China are currently in a tense standoff in the South China Sea, with both countries shadowing each other’s warships. The Pentagon has identified China as the nation’s top national security challenge, and President Biden’s defense budget request is geared towards a potential conflict with China in the Western Pacific. However, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other officials have emphasized that war with China is not inevitable.

The Situation

Austin recently told a Senate panel that he has been unable to contact China’s new defense minister, Gen. Li Shangfu, despite repeated attempts. Austin had previously met with Li’s predecessor, Gen. Wei Fenghe, but the Chinese government has refused to arrange a meeting between Austin and Li unless the U.S. lifts sanctions imposed on Li in 2018 over imports of Russian weapons.

What’s Next

Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining communication between the U.S. and China, especially given the potential for conflict in contested waters. He stated that he will continue to work on establishing contact with Li, and hopes to have the defense ministers’ phone numbers on speed dial. However, the situation remains tense, with both countries engaged in military posturing in the South China Sea.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been unable to contact China’s new defense minister, Gen. Li Shangfu, despite repeated attempts.
• The Chinese government has refused to arrange a meeting between Austin and Li unless the U.S. lifts sanctions imposed on Li in 2018 over imports of Russian weapons.
• Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining communication between the U.S. and China, especially given the potential for conflict in contested waters.
• The situation remains tense, with both countries engaged in military posturing in the South China Sea.