From China’s perspective, approaching the USA seems possible again. But when it comes to Taiwan, the Chinese Military Commission makes its position more than clear.
China’s military is open to resuming talks with the US, according to a senior general. China is willing to expand Sino-US military ties based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia said at an international security dialogue in Beijing.
The second highest commander in the military after state and party leader Xi Jinping gave the opening speech at the Xiangshan Forum. Otherwise the Minister of Defense is responsible for this. However, after the government removed Li Shangfu from his post last week, the position is currently vacant.
China and the US are currently moving closer again after economic sanctions, espionage allegations and China’s stance in the Ukraine war brought relations to a low point. The two nuclear powers have not had any military exchanges since former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022. The US had imposed sanctions on Li Shangfu, which made talks with him impossible.
The Taiwan question remains relevant
In his speech, however, Zhang Youxia also took a harsh tone with regard to Taiwan. “No matter who wants to secede Taiwan from China in any way, the Chinese army will never agree to it and will never show any leniency,” he said. Taiwan is in China’s core interest. If China’s government is forced to resolve the Taiwan issue by force, it will be a lawful and reunifying war, Lt. Gen. He Lei told the Global Times newspaper, the Communist Party’s mouthpiece, on Sunday.
The USA had promised Taiwan support in an emergency and regularly supplies weapons to the democratic island state, which Beijing considers its territory.
The Xiangshan Forum is Beijing’s response to the Shangri-La Dialogue – an important security conference for the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to representatives from Russia, Belarus, Saudi Arabia and Iran, there was also a delegation from the USA. Germany is represented by a defense attaché from the German embassy in China.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
