US and Chinese Military Leaders Hold First Formal Talk in Years
Military commanders from the US and China recently held a significant phone conversation, marking the first formal engagement in years. Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and General Wu Yanan, Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Southern Theatre Command, participated in a video teleconference on September 9.
This call was a result of a bilateral meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023. During that meeting, both leaders agreed to resume high-level military-to-military communication between the US Department of Defense and the PLA.
Admiral Paparo emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to prevent misunderstandings and reduce risks. He also urged the Chinese military to adhere to international laws and reconsider its tactics in the South China Sea.
Admiral Paparo expressed hope for continued dialogue with General Wu and other Chinese military leaders. This call follows US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to Beijing, where both sides agreed on the necessity of regular military communications to manage their relationship responsibly.
Doubts Revealed
US Indo-Pacific Command -: This is a part of the US military that looks after the Pacific Ocean area, including countries like India, Japan, and Australia.
PLA Southern Theatre Command -: This is a part of China’s military that looks after the southern part of China and nearby areas.
Admiral Samuel Paparo -: He is a high-ranking officer in the US Navy who leads the Indo-Pacific Command.
General Wu Yanan -: He is a high-ranking officer in China’s military who leads the Southern Theatre Command.
Joe Biden -: He is the President of the United States.
Xi Jinping -: He is the President of China.
November 2023 agreement -: This is a deal made in November 2023 between the US and China to start talking again at high levels in the military to avoid problems.