Despite anticipation for a potentially significant military meeting between the United States and China, the Chinese government has turned down an opportunity to engage at the upcoming security forum in Singapore. This decision underscores the current strains between the two global superpowers.
Earlier in May, the US had extended an invitation to China's Minister of National Defense, Li Shangfu, to meet with US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin. The Pentagon confirmed the declined invitation on Monday, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing their commitment to open dialogue as a means to prevent the escalation of competition into outright conflict.
Just last week, discussions were underway at the Department of Defense, indicated by White House spokesman John Kirby, to facilitate talks between Austin and Li, who was appointed as China's Defense Minister in March. The speculated meeting garnered much attention, considering the recent regional security apprehensions and trade disagreements posing a challenge to the re-engagement plans of the world's biggest economies.
However, China's foreign ministry justified their decision by pointing fingers at the US, arguing that the latter was cognizant of the reasons behind the interruption in military communication. "The U.S. side should ... immediately correct its wrong practices, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
Moreover, it's worth noting that a tense exchange recently took place between U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, discussing trade, investment, and export policies in a Washington meeting.
Ian Storey, a Singapore-based security analyst, expressed concerns over China's decision, stating, "At a time of rising U.S.-China tensions, General Li's refusal to meet his American counterpart will fray regional nerves even further."
Both Austin and Li will be attending the annual Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, a prominent informal gathering of defense officials and analysts. Despite the declined meeting, the defense chiefs are expected to engage in separate discussions with their regional peers.
It is noteworthy that Li, a critical figure in the People's Liberation Army's modernization initiatives, has been facing U.S. sanctions since 2018 for procuring combat aircraft and equipment from Russia's principal weapons exporter, Rosoboronexport. Li is also a member of the Central Military Commission, the highest defense body in China, led by President Xi Jinping.
