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| Defense Minister of China Li Shangfu Image Credit: Google |
The Defense
Minister of China Li Shangfu, in his first significant address at an
international platform since assuming office in March, emphasized the
importance of dialogue over confrontation between China and the United States.
The Shangri-La
Dialogue-2023 is a top security summit held in Asia annually. It welcomes the security
and defense analysts, key stakeholders, and office bearers from across the
world.
During the
session of this Dialogue, Li highlighted the potential disastrous consequences
a conflict between China and US. This has the capacity of not only disturbing
the two states but to the world at large.
Despite strained relations over various
issues, including Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Li
stressed the need for seeking common ground and deepening bilateral
cooperation.
China and the
US: Different Systems, Common Interests:
Li admitted the
differences in systems and various other aspects between China and the United
States.
However, he
emphasized that these differences should not hinder the two sides from finding
common ground and pursuing mutual interests.
According to
Li, “the world is big enough for US and China to grow together.”
Warning of
Unbearable Disaster:
The Defence
Minister expressed his concerns over a severe conflict or confrontation between
the Washington and Beijing. He warned that it would lead to an unbearable
disaster for the world.
Li's statement
reflects the gravity of the situation and the potential global implications of
a major escalation between the two superpowers.
Strained Ties fuelled
by Recent Incidents:
The article published
by Al-Jazeera mentions that tensions between Washington and Beijing have
escalated due to various following issues, including:
- Question of Taiwan,
- Territorial disputes,
- US restrictions on semiconductor chip exports.
- The US military accused the Chinese navy of unsafe manoeuvres near a US destroyer in the Taiwan Strait,
- While Beijing accused Washington of provoking risks and supporting "pro-independence forces" in Taipei.
Seeking Better
Mechanisms for Crisis Management:
US Secretary of
Defense Lloyd Austin, also present at the summit, expressed deep concern over
China's unwillingness to engage in more serious military talks.
Austin stressed
the importance of dialogue in avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations
that could potentially lead to crises or conflicts.
The Secretary
also reiterated the US commitment to preserving the status quo in Taiwan.
China's
Commitment to Peaceful Development:
Li asserted
China's commitment to peaceful development while warning against interference
in its internal affairs.
He accused
"some countries" of meddling in China's internal affairs by providing
defense support to Taiwan and conducting high-level diplomatic visits.
Li stated that
while China remains committed to peaceful development, it will not hesitate to
defend its legitimate rights and interests.
Concerns over
Arms Race and Military Alliances:
The Chinese
Defence Minister criticized the intensification of an arms race by "some
countries" and warned against the establishment of NATO-like military
alliances in the Asia Pacific.
He cautioned
that such alliances would only create a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts,
further mentioning the resurgence of a Cold War mentality.
The article
suggested that Li's statements were directed at the US, highlighting its
strengthening of regional alliances and partnerships.
China's
Perception of Encirclement:
Analysts in
China believe that the US is encircling China with its military assets, which
has further increased tensions.
They mention
the strategic locations surrounding China's sea lanes of communication,
including the first and second island chains, and military chokepoints in
Singapore.
These factors
contribute to Beijing's defensive stance and the importance it places on
maintaining channels of communication.
Conclusive Flashpoints:
- While tensions between China and the US continue to escalate, Defence Minister Li Shangfu stressed the significance of dialogue and cooperation to avoid a disastrous conflict.
- He acknowledged the differences between the two nations but emphasized the need for seeking common ground and mutual interests.
- Li's speech also addressed concerns over regional alliances, interference in China's internal affairs, and the potential consequences of a Cold War mentality.
- China feels encircled by the US, leading to an emphasis on defensive measures and the maintenance of communication channels.
(Courtesy:
Al-Jazeera)
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