Mr. Austin and other US officials are working to strengthen alliances and partnerships in Asia, while also showing signs of trying to mend relations with China.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (far right) shakes hands with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu (far left) during the opening dinner of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, 2023. Photo: AP
Previously, the US invited Mr. Ly Thuong Phuc to have official talks with Mr. Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, but China refused.
However, the two defense ministers also "spoke briefly at the Shangri-La Dialogue opening dinner tonight in Singapore. The two leaders shook hands, but there was no substantive exchange," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement on Friday.
Mr Ryder added that the Pentagon believes in maintaining open lines of communication, “and will continue to seek meaningful military-to-military discussions at multiple levels to manage the relationship responsibly”.
A senior US defence official said the conversation between Mr Lee and Mr Austin was good, but “a handshake at dinner is no substitute for sitting down and having a meaningful conversation”.
“The next time they meet, it will be a serious and substantive dialogue – and Secretary Austin will have a lot to say about why this is important when he addresses the first plenary session of the Dialogue tomorrow (June 3),” the official added.
Relations between the US and China have been strained over a number of issues including the shooting down of a Chinese balloon flying over the US earlier this year.
Bui Huy (according to CNA, AP, AFP)
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