WASHINGTON: General C.Q. Brown, Chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, broke an 18-month-long communication freeze by engaging in a video call with his Chinese counterpart, General Liu Zhenli.
The leaders discussed global and regional security issues, emphasizing the need to responsibly manage competition, prevent miscalculations, and maintain open lines of communication.
General Brown stressed the importance of substantive dialogue to reduce misunderstandings and expressed openness to constructive engagement with the People’s Liberation Army. The call signifies a crucial step toward improved military ties between the world’s two largest militaries.
Amid an increase in near-accidents in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, US military leaders had expressed frustration over China’s lack of response to communication attempts. Direct talks were halted by China following Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August last year, leading to nearly a year of strained relations.
The recent pledge to reinstate military talks came after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with US President Joe Biden in San Francisco. Biden expressed hope that the resumption of talks would prevent misunderstandings and incidents over water, emphasizing the importance of direct and clear communication.
The Pentagon statement highlighted Gen. Brown’s call to revive annual Defense Policy Coordination Talks and direct discussions between US Indo-Pacific Command and China’s Theater Commands.
The US has sought to resume direct talks between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, following an almost 18-month hiatus in communication between the world’s two largest militaries. General C.Q. Brown, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair, recently held discussions with Chinese counterpart Gen. Liu Zhenli in a video call, addressing global and regional security issues and emphasizing the need for responsible competition management.
The Pentagon official acknowledged this call as a positive initial step for enhancing military relations, but it remains unclear whether Gen. Liu agreed to a complete resumption of talks.
