CHINA has declined a request from the United States for a meeting between defense chiefs Lloyd Austin and Li Shangfu at an annual security forum in Singapore this weekend, further straining relations between the two powers.
With this, the Pentagon expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of open communication to avoid conflict.
Meanwhile, China blamed the US for the breakdown in military communication and urged the US to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue.
Analysts are concerned about the impact of this refusal on regional tensions.
In a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, one of China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that China had declined the United States’ request and said;
“The US is clear about the reason why China-US military dialogue faces difficulties. The US should earnestly respect China’s sovereignty, security and interest concerns, immediately correct wrong practice, show sincerity and create necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between Chinese and US militaries.”
To clarify, both defense chiefs will still attend the forum but will not meet.
