Austin expresses disappointment over Chinese defense chief declining meeting

During a meeting of defense leaders in Laos, China’s defense minister declined a meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, which he described as unfortunate. Multilateral gatherings in Asia have previously been used for meetings between U.S. and Chinese defense leaders, but China refused a meeting request during this week’s Southeast Asian Nations-Plus defense ministers meeting. Austin expressed disappointment, highlighting the importance of communication between the two significant powers in the region. He met with China’s defense minister earlier this year at a Singapore conference, where they discussed differences on issues like Taiwan but emphasized the need for open military communication. Chinese President Xi Jinping also pledged to work with the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump as he concluded talks with departing President Joe Biden, addressing conflicts ranging from cybercrime to trade, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Russia. Austin believes that China’s decision not to meet with him at the recent gathering does not necessarily have long-term implications, and that only China can explain their reasons for the missed opportunity.

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