Sun Sep 15 13:50:03 UTC 2024: ## US and China Military Leaders Hold Talks Amid Rising Tensions

**BEIJING** – Military leaders from the United States and China have concluded a round of routine talks in Beijing, marking a resumption of dialogue after a two-year hiatus. The talks, held on Sunday, focused on key areas of contention including Taiwan, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The meeting came after US-China relations plummeted over a range of issues, including Taiwan’s sovereignty, the origins of COVID-19, and economic disagreements. Communication between the two militaries broke off in 2021, further escalating tensions.

The talks were led by Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, who headed a US delegation to engage in bilateral Defense Policy Coordination Talks. While the discussions were not expected to resolve long-standing differences, the US maintains that ongoing dialogue is vital to prevent potential conflict.

One of the key issues discussed was China’s support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war. The US also expressed concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly the recent departure of a Philippine ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, from a disputed shoal.

The ship’s departure has raised concerns that China could potentially seize control of the shoal. This follows a series of incidents in August, where both China and the Philippines accused each other of causing damage to each other’s vessels during a confrontation.

The Philippines has stated it will replace the ship immediately, but the situation remains tense. China has confirmed the ship’s departure and claimed the ship “infringed on China’s territorial sovereignty.” The Chinese Coast Guard has stated that it “took control measures against the ship in accordance with the law” and that multiple attempts by the Philippines to resupply the ship had failed.

The latest round of talks comes at a critical time, with US-China relations under considerable strain. Whether these talks can continue in the long term remains uncertain, particularly with the upcoming US presidential election.

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