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FOX NewsMay 21
US, China Defense Chiefs Hold First Official Meeting Since 2022
Above: US and China national flags adorn the motorcade of US Vice President Joe Biden at the Zhongnanhai leaders compound on Aug. 19, 2011 in Beijing, China. Image copyright: Andy Wong-Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun held their first face-to-face talks on Friday on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. It was Austin's first meeting with a Chinese counterpart since late 2022.
According to the Chinese defense ministry, the meeting was "positive, practical and constructive," with both exchanging views, including on ties between the two militaries, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Ukraine conflict.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The Austin-Dong meeting proves that the US is doing its utmost to ease bilateral tensions for the benefit of the international community. In Singapore, Austin reiterated that Washington remains committed to its long-standing one-China policy, but that Beijing should cease its provocative actions around the Taiwan Strait. The US remains committed to regional peace and stability — but will not be deterred from continuing to fly, sail, and operate under international law.
Establishment-critical narrative
It is to China's credit that it agreed to a direct meeting between Dong and Austin despite the US saber-rattling in the South China Sea and its interference in China's internal affairs concerning Taiwan. While Washington tirelessly portrays China as a threat, it's Washington and its allies who — trapped in a Cold War mentality — intentionally undermine regional peace and stability. China prefers dialog but is prepared to use its military to protect its sovereignty and interests.