WASHINGTON: In a setback for bilateral dialogue, China has declined an invitation from the United States (US) for a meeting between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu in Singapore, the Pentagon confirmed. The refusal comes amidst strained relations between the two superpowers and casts doubt on the prospects of improved communication.
Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder stated, “Overnight, the PRC informed the US that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore this week,” referring to the People’s Republic of China. He further expressed concern about China’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful military-to-military discussions, but emphasized the Defense Department’s commitment to seeking open lines of communication with the People’s Liberation Army.
When questioned about the meeting, the Chinese foreign ministry neither confirmed nor denied the invitation’s decline. Spokeswoman Mao Ning called on the US to respect China’s concerns of sovereignty, security, and interests, urging them to rectify their actions and create an atmosphere conducive to military dialogue.
A senior US defense official characterized China’s refusal as part of a recurring pattern, citing multiple instances since 2021 where China declined or failed to respond to requests for engagements at various levels. Despite Li Shangfu’s US sanctions in 2018 for purchasing Russian weapons, the Pentagon asserts that this does not impede Austin from engaging in official business with him.
US Defence Secretary to Visit Singapore
Austin is scheduled to travel to Singapore later this week to participate in the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense summit where he previously met Li’s predecessor, Wei Fenghe, in June of last year. Although Austin and Wei met again in Cambodia in 2022, tensions between the US and China have escalated in recent months, particularly regarding issues concerning Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon incident.
Efforts by Austin and other US officials to strengthen alliances and partnerships in Asia as a countermeasure against China’s assertiveness have been ongoing. However, these latest developments dampen hopes of a quick resolution to the strained relationship between the two countries. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s recent meeting with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna provided a glimmer of hope, but China’s rejection of the meeting with Austin suggests that significant challenges remain in bridging the gap between the two nations.
President Joe Biden has expressed optimism that relations between the US and China will improve “very shortly,” but the current impasse underscores the complex nature of the geopolitical landscape and the need for sustained efforts to foster productive dialogue and mutual understanding.
