Washington and Beijing are mulling defense talks in a bid to ease tensions
ides to the US defense secretary and China’s defense minister are discussing a potential meeting in Singapore, according to people familiar with the preparations, a sign the Biden administration is more focused on keeping both sides talking rather than worrying that the two leaders are far apart in relative rank.
That call hasn’t happened and, for now at least, isn’t likely to. But with US-China tensions peaking again over issues including Taiwan and human rights, both sides have a stake in dialing back some of the pressure. Austin and Wei share similar titles, but they are far from bureaucratic equals. Wei heads China’s defense ministry, a government organization in a political system where the Communist Party — not the government — controls the military.The position of defense minister in China “is mostly ceremonial with little real power,” said Timothy Heath, a senior international defense researcher at the RAND Corporation.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UK in talks to reopen giant gas storage facility for winterThe government is considering scenarios in case Russia's gas shipments to the EU are disrupted.
Read more »
Tom Hanks praises BBC’s Springwatch live on The One ShowActor also praised the BBC during an appearance on the popular talk series
Read more »
Taiwan scrambles jets after China makes largest incursion into air defence zone since JanuaryChina has almost doubled its incursions this year, as it attempts to keep island under pressure
Read more »
China sends 30 warplanes into Taiwan air defence zoneThe incursions come days after US President Joe Biden issued a strong warning to China over Taiwan.
Read more »
Putin ally suggests Russia should kidnap Nato defence minister - follow liveUkraine Russia Putin ally suggests Russia should kidnap Nato defence minister - follow live 🔴
Read more »