– There is a need for a direct line between the two countries. It is of course serious, says Sweden’s Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (Moderaterna). Jonson meets news shortly after China’s new defense minister, General Li Shangfu, has given his speech at the conference. HOPE FOR QUICK NATO MEMBERSHIP: Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson says he is still hopeful that Sweden will become a full member of NATO by the summit in Vilnius in July. Photo: Fang Yongbin / news Li Shangfu said relations between China and the US have reached a new low, but that this should not stand in the way of the two countries seeking common ground and cooperation. – There is no doubt that a serious conflict or confrontation between China and the United States will be a disaster for the world that is impossible to bear, said Li. Jonson is also concerned about the development. – You need a direct dialogue to avoid misunderstandings and being dragged into a maelstrom that could lead to military skirmishes, he says. MEETING PLACE: The Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore is the annual meeting place to discuss security policy in Asia, where in recent years there has been very high tension. Photo: CAROLINE CHIA / Reuters Wine for guests, guns for “wolves” Li reiterated that Taiwan is a core interest and they will not hesitate to use military force if reunification with the mainland is threatened. – We welcome our guests with wine. Wolves who try to invade us are met with cannons, Li said, quoting an old Chinese proverb. The speech was Li Shangfu’s first appearance in front of an international audience and the first time he took unprepared questions from an audience of Westerners as well. WINE BUT NO CANNONS: Dinner between American and Chinese parties in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue. Photo: HANDOUT / AFP Dangerous clashes The US and Canada have criticized China’s military for dangerously and unprofessionally intercepting their military aircraft and warships in the sea and airspace of the South China Sea. Just yesterday, an American warship was intercepted by a Chinese ship while sailing through the Taiwan Strait. Li said some countries use the right to free movement and navigation to show power and to provoke China. – Why do these clashes always happen near China? If they looked after their own waters and did not provoke near China, this cooperation would not happen, General Li said. QUIET SEAS, BUT TROUBLED SHIPS: The American destroyer USS Chung Hoon. Photo: DEVIN M. LANGER / AFP The US wants dialogue despite sanctions Li Shangfu has been on the US list of sanctioned persons since 2018 because he was responsible for China’s purchase of fighter jets and air defenses from Russia. The USA has nevertheless wanted to arrange a meeting in Singapore. They believe that blacklisting does not prevent a meeting on neutral ground. China thinks it is inappropriate. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was sharp in his criticism and warned China against the dangers of not having top-level military dialogue. POINTS TO CHINESE UNWILLINGNESS: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin accuses China of being unwilling to engage in dialogue about operational risks. Photo: Vincent Thian / AP – For responsible defense leaders, the right time to speak is anytime. The right time to talk is always. The right time is now, said Lloyd Austin. On the sidelines of the conference in Singapore, members of China’s delegation say the United States must do more to moderate what they see as a confrontational line. They say China feels that the US is using Taiwan to stem China’s rise. Removing Li Shangfu from the list of sanctioned persons is only one of several steps that could facilitate a dialogue between the country’s military leaders.
ttn-69
Wine for our guests, cannons against “invading wolves” – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
