US Defence Chief Calls on Beijing to Engage in Dialogue to Avoid Conflict

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The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the ruling party of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), has demonstrated little interest in engaging in serious talks with the United States about the fraying relationship between the global superpowers and its potentially catastrophic consequences. 

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, however, in his address on June 3 at a major international security conference in Singapore, placed the importance of talks front and center.  

Austin delivered his speech at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023, the 20th annual event that brings together national defense, security, and military chiefs with the aim of building and strengthening community and exploring sectors of common interest in the Indo-Pacific region.

Austin did not lead with the issue. First, he talked about alliances, goals that countries presently shared, economic and military partnerships, cooperation in commerce, and broad hopes to improve the lives of those in that part of the world. He talked about a common effort to address and defend against North Korean missiles. 

The defense secretary made a forceful and spirited condemnation of Russia and its invasion of Ukraine.  

But Austin, in his comments, arrived at China and the matter of Taiwan, the island located 70 miles across the Taiwan Strait from the Chinese mainland, which is a self-governing democracy but is claimed by Beijing.

Austin used the speech to make an attempt at diplomacy beyond the brief and perfunctory handshake he shared with PRC defense minister Li Shangfu at the conference’s opening dinner the day before.  

Austin emphasized and gave assurances that America is committed to its friends and is engaged in the region. 

“We will maintain our vigorous, responsive and responsible presence across the Indo-Pacific,” said Austin. “And will continue to work to ensure that no one country can assert control over shared waterways in the South China Sea.

“We will continue to work with our allies and partners to uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight.”

A People’s Liberation Army Navy J-11 fighter pilot performs an unsafe maneuver during an intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, on Dec. 21, 2022, in a still from video. (Courtesy of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Austin brought up recent provocative and belligerent conduct of China.  

“We won’t be deterred by dangerous operational behavior at sea or in international airspace,” said Austin. “The People’s Republic of China continues to conduct an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international air.

“We’ve all just seen another troubling case of aggressive and unprofessional flying by the PRC. So, we will support our allies and partners as they defend themselves against coercion and bullying.

“To be clear, we do not seek conflict. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion.”

The potential flashpoint, the most volatile and dangerous element in the U.S.-China standoff, and what it represents to the security of the United States and international order, is the island of Taiwan.

While the U.S. has no official diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, the island is a strategic business partner, one with which Uncle Sam does billions of dollars in business yearly, including selling Taiwan weapons. 

The CCP has never been comfortable with Taiwan’s autonomy and worries about it making a bid for independence. To head off and nullify that possibility, the CCP says it will eventually bring Taiwan under the control of the mainland, by force if necessary.  

A People’s Liberation Army member looks through binoculars during military exercises as Taiwan’s frigate Lan Yang is seen in the background on Aug. 5, 2022. (Lin Jian/Xinhua via AP)

America does not have a defense agreement with Taiwan and is not treaty bound to jump in if China makes its move. And, yet, President Joe Biden has said that the United States will come to Taiwan’s aid if the island is attacked. 

There is no shortage of leading military strategists and spymasters convinced that China will launch an armed takeover of Taiwan. 

Austin expanded on his guarantee that the United States is pledged to help its allies and prevent a single nation from controlling the Indo-Pacific.

“Now, all of this is especially important in the Taiwan Strait,” said Austin. “I like to be clear about another point—the United States remains deeply committed to preserving the status quo in the strait, consistent with our longstanding one-China policy, and with fulfilling our well-established obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act.”

Austin spoke about the importance of keeping peace in that part of the world, for armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait could unsettle and disrupt the entire planet. He said, contrary to widely held opinion, that conflict can be avoided and need not happen. 

“I’d like to highlight that conflict is neither imminent or inevitable,” said Austin. “Deterrence is strong today—and it’s our job to keep it that way. 

“You know, the whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait—the whole world. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it. And so does freedom of navigation worldwide. 

“But make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating.

“So, we are determined to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. And so are a number of other countries around the world—and that number continues to grow.”

Austin said that Biden does not want another “Cold War.”

Austin called for the U.S. and China to talk, and he hoped that the CCP would dispense with its resistance to doing so. 

“For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime,” said Austin. “The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now. 

“Dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity. And a cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement.”