US, China military, in talks on defence issues: Pentagon

US and Chinese military officials held “frank, in-depth” talks this week on a range of defence issues, the Pentagon said Wednesday, as the countries grapple over their competing interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Michael Chase, US Deputy Assistant Secretary Defence for China, held the meetings by video conference on Tuesday and Wednesday with Chinese Major General Huang Xueping, the Pentagon saic.

“During the talks, the two sides held a frank, in-depth, and open discussion on a range of issues affecting the US-People’s Republic of China (PRC) defence relationship”. .

“Both sides reaffirmed consensus to keep communication channels open,” it said.

The talks were held two weeks after the United States, Britain and Australia announced a security pact that will provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines -a move denounced by Beijing.

The pact, known as AUKUS, is a response by Western allies to avert a Chinese dominance in Southeast Asia and beyond, particularly the South China Sea.

This was the 16th round of the talks, known as the U.S.-PRC Defense Policy Coordination talks. The last round was held during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 14, 2020.
-WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters)