No meeting occurred between the Chinese and US defense ministers during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. The responsibility for this absence lies solely with the US, as stated by China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian.
Wu Qian emphasized that the US Defense Department officials’ claim that China refused the meeting due to US arms sales to Taiwan is inaccurate. The US must address its mistakes and show genuine respect for China’s core interests to facilitate high-level military exchanges between the two countries.
China asserts that the US cannot undermine its core interests concerning Taiwan while engaging in military exchanges as if nothing had occurred. Correcting these errors is crucial to establishing a conducive environment for bilateral military interactions, Wu added.
It is imperative for the US to acknowledge and prioritize China’s core interests in the Taiwan issue. By doing so, both countries can work together to foster favorable conditions for future military engagements and enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.