2024-04-19 07:41:41
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, during a videoconference conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, demanded that the United States respect the territorial integrity of China, the Chinese Ministry of Defense reported, Day.Az reports with reference to Interfax.
“The US side should accept China’s firm position, effectively respect China’s territorial sovereignty (…) and take practical actions to maintain regional peace and stability in military relations between China and the United States,” Dong Jun said.
He stressed that the Taiwan issue is at the core of China’s core interests and they should not be compromised.
“The People’s Liberation Army of China will never stop suppressing separatist activities aimed at declaring Taiwan’s independence, as well as the connivance and support of such actions from the outside,” the Chinese minister emphasized.
He noted that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and countries in the region have the will, wisdom and ability to solve problems,” the United States should recognize “China’s maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.”
Dong Jun said that the armed forces of China and the United States should “take peace as a value,” and relations between them are built on the basis of “stability as a priority, and trust as the basic principles of interaction.” They should be conflict-free and non-confrontational, and mutual trust should be gradually strengthened on the basis of equality and respect.
At the same time, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters, Austin “emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of navigation on the high seas as guaranteed by international law, particularly in the South China Sea, and reaffirmed that the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows.”
The American minister also expressed concern about “recent provocations from North Korea.”
Ryder said: “The Department will continue to have active discussions with Chinese counterparts on future contacts between Defense and military officials at various levels, as agreed to by President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023.”
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