US and Chinese defence ministers hold talks
On 16 April, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin spoke via video link with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun, the first substantive conversation between officials of this level since November 2022.
This follows from a report on the Pentagon's website.
It is noted that Austin and Dong discussed "defense relations between the United States and China, as well as regional and global security issues", and the Pentagon chief "stressed the importance of continuing open lines of military communication between the United States and China".
During the talks, Austin focused on the issue of shipping in the South China Sea and American support for Taiwan.
"He also discussed Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine and expressed concern over recent provocations by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," the Pentagon added.
Author - Olena Madiak, 16/04/2024
