The Shangri-La Dialogue Defense Summit was held in Singapore last night, which US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin and China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu also attended. Both the leaders shook hands during the conference but America is not satisfied with it. Apart from the Shangri La Dialogue, talks were to be held between the Defense Ministers of the two countries, but in the past, China had rejected this offer from America.
America in favor of talks with China
The US has expressed disappointment over China’s rejection of its offer for talks. US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin said that ‘America believes that the way of dialogue with China should remain open. Especially dialogue between our defense and military leaders is necessary. The more we talk, the less the chance of misunderstanding. This will not create a situation like conflict.’
It is noteworthy that China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu was banned by the US in the year 2018. This action was taken against Li Shangfu for buying Russian arms. It is believed that this is also one of the reasons for the Chinese Defense Minister rejecting the talks with the US Defense Minister. However, the Pentagon said the ban would not affect official talks.
America worried about China’s attitude
The US Defense Secretary said that he is deeply concerned about China’s reluctance to hold talks. Lloyd Austin also expressed concern over the dangerous intercepts happening with the US and allied countries in international airspace. Let us tell you that recently the fighter jets of America and China had come very close in the airspace over the South China Sea.
Relations between the US and China have increased bitterly on the issue of Taiwan and Chinese spy balloons. Let us tell you that the US Defense Minister is on a tour of Asia these days. He first went on a tour of Japan and will soon reach India as well. To counter China, this visit of the US Defense Minister is considered important.