The defense officials hold their first call.
China’s defense minister told U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that Taiwan is a part of China during the first phone call between the two defense leaders. Secretary Austin was told that no one could change Taiwan’s status as a territory of China and that “if the Taiwan issue were not handled properly, it would have a damaging impact on Sino-U.S. relations.”
Secretary Austin stressed that the U.S. remains committed to the one-China policy but did not confirm or deny anything further.
Under the Taiwan Relations Act of January 1979, “The United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.”
The two also discussed Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. China vowed to strengthen its ties with Russia despite being pressed by the U.S. and NATO to apply more pressure on Moscow amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
China’s defense minister said, “Both sides are more determined to develop bilateral ties and are more confident in promoting cooperation in various fields. China is willing to work with Russia to take China-Russian ties to a higher level in a new era under the guidance of the consensus reached by the heads of state.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Secretary Austin as he interacts with foreign leaders.
- For the president and his advisors to be discerning in their approach to China.
- For U.S. officials navigating the agreement with Taiwan in light of China’s claims to the territory.
Sources: Fox News, Reuters
