(VOVWORLD) - Chinese Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a phone talk on Wednesday. It was their first talk in 21 months and the first since President Joe Biden took office.
 US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe (photo: AFP/Bloomberg) |
Minister Wei said China and the US should implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, respect each other, exist peacefully, and avoid confrontation. He said that China expects to establish healthy and stable relations with the US while protecting its own interests and dignity.
Mr. Wei said that the two militaries should enhance mutual trust, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, manage risks and crises, and carry out practical cooperation, to ensure the stable development of bilateral military-to-military relations. He also said Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and that the Chinese military will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
The US Defense Secretary said that the US is willing to implement common perceptions reached by their leaders and strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with China in a candid and open manner. They also discussed marine and aviation security and the situation in Ukraine.