China admonishes US over arms provision to Taiwan, 'One China Policy' tension escalates
The Chinese authority also urged the United States to limit its troop deployment and cease provocations in the South China Sea.
3:16 AM EST, January 10, 2024
The discussions, which started on Monday in Washington, resulted from an agreement between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The pact to reopen communication channels between both militaries across multiple levels was made in mid-November in San Francisco.
USA responds to "one China policy"
After the consultations, the Department of Defense stated that they discussed the issue of inter-military communication, Taiwan, and the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Michael Chase, the Deputy Secretary of Defense for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, who led the US delegation, highlighted the necessity of ensuring operational security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Confirming that the United States will continue to sail, fly, and operate responsibly wherever international law permits, Chase noted that Washington's commitment to its regional allies remains resolute.
As for Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory, Chase affirmed the long-standing "one China policy." This policy recognizes the People's Republic of China as the only legal Chinese government. However, he emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.