China’s Defence Minister, General Li Shangfu, has issued a grave warning, declaring that a war between China and the United States would be an “unbearable disaster” for the world.
The Minister’s remarks were delivered at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the sole annual security meeting in the Asia-Pacific region, according to BBC.
This marked his first significant speech since assuming the role, and he seized the opportunity to address escalating tensions and the dangerous arms race in Asia.
While not explicitly naming the United States, General Li criticized “some countries” for intensifying the arms race, emphasizing that the world is vast enough to accommodate both China and the US.
He stressed the importance of seeking common ground and avoiding a path that could lead to catastrophic consequences.
The general’s address comes amidst recent incidents that have strained relations between China and the US further.
The US navy accused a Chinese destroyer of conducting “unsafe” maneuvers near an American warship in the Taiwan Strait, a move which China denounced as deliberate provocation while the US and Canada maintained they were operating within international law.
In his speech, General Li, who assumed the position in March, accused the US of adopting a “Cold War mentality” that significantly amplifies security risks.
He made it clear that China would not permit naval patrols by the US and its allies to become a pretext for exerting navigational hegemony.
Notably, China has rejected a US request for direct military talks in protest against the 2018 US sanctions imposed on General Li due to weapons purchases from Russia.
At the summit, US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin rebuked China for refusing to engage in military discussions.
Although Austin and Li exchanged a brief handshake during the opening dinner, reports indicate that no substantive exchange took place.
A retired officer of the People’s Liberation Army, Zhou Bo, interpreted General Li’s “moderate” tone as a signal that talks with his US counterpart could be possible.
However, Zhou emphasized that the US must lift sanctions against General Li, which prevent him from traveling to the US and hinder his ability to extend an invitation to General Austin.
Amidst the diplomatic tensions, senior intelligence officials convened for a meeting of spy chiefs at the Singapore summit.
Meanwhile, a senior US State Department official has arrived in Beijing for a week of comprehensive talks, demonstrating the persistence of dialogue despite strained relations.
The relationship between Washington and Beijing has faced significant strains in recent years due to various factors, including China’s territorial disputes in the South China Sea and its claims over Taiwan.
A senior official from the People’s Liberation Army, Lt Gen Jing Jianfeng, staunchly asserted that there could be no room for compromise on Taiwan while accusing the US of meddling in the region.
He also cautioned that the US decision to increase the number of troops on rotational deployment in the region heightens the risk of confrontation, adding fuel to the already volatile situation.
