Top US, China military officials hold dialogue on South China Sea
Metro Manila, Philippines — The chiefs of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and China’s People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command engaged in a video teleconference on Monday on a number of issues, a statement from the US military said.
It said the meeting is part of efforts by Washington and Beijing to reestablish high-level military communication.
US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo and PLA Southern Theater Command General Wu Yan held a "constructive and in-depth" discussion focused on key regional issues, including escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the US Indo-Pacific Command said.
The resumption of communication channels between the two militaries is aimed at minimizing the risk of misperceptions or miscalculations that could lead to conflict.
“During the call, Admiral Paparo emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the US military and the PLA, highlighting that such discussions between senior leaders are crucial for clarifying intentions and reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or miscalculations,” it said.
Without referencing the Philippines, Paparo noted several unsafe interactions involving the PLA and US allies in the region. Washington also urged Beijing to adhere to international laws and uphold operational safety standards.
Paparo called on his Chinese counterpart to reconsider China’s use of "dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics" in the South China Sea and beyond.
The Chinese Defense Ministry confirmed the talks, stating that both sides "exchanged in-depth views on issues of mutual concern."
The dialogue came on the heels of a conversation last week between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro.
In their discussion, Austin reaffirmed the strong alliance and defense ties between the two allies.
He also reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting Manila in light of recent "dangerous and escalatory actions" by China against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea.
Austin and Teodoro emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly within international law.
China, however, maintains that the US is not a party to the South China Sea disputes and accused the Philippines of provoking actions that threaten regional stability.
