The threat of “full-scale conflict”
In the midst of the Taiwan crisis, signals from Pentagon leaders to Beijing have gone unanswered, fueling concern among policymakers and defense analysts about the possibility of a wider confrontation. Officials and experts contacted for this report describe China’s silence as a dangerous choice that raises tensions rather than easing them.
“This week, senior Chinese military officials have not returned multiple calls from their American counterparts as a crisis developed in the Pacific surrounding the visit of the Speaker of the House to Taiwan,” the article notes. The delay in response is interpreted as a strategic move that could complicate crisis management at a moment when channels of communication are most needed.
The piece highlights that China continues to project power around Taiwan, with continued missile launches, warship movements, and aerial activity described as unprecedented in scope. Officials and experts cited in the report argue that this silence by Beijing is short-sighted and reckless, raising the risk of a miscalculation that could escalate an already fragile situation.
“U.S. military leaders aim to keep lines of communication open, even with potential adversaries, to prevent accidents and missteps that might spark a broader conflict,” the article states.
“Avoid the Events”
According to Pentagon briefings, Millie spoke with his Chinese counterpart, General Li Zuocheng, during a video conference on the topic of maintaining open communication and reducing escalation risks. A separate meeting between top U.S. and Chinese defense officials in Singapore, where the U.S. side reportedly pressed for continuing dialogue, occurred in June.
“The Secretary of State has repeatedly emphasized the importance of keeping lines of communication with Chinese defense officials completely open to prevent any miscalculations,” a spokesperson said in a formal statement.
The article recalls that the day prior, China announced a suspension of some official dialogues and maritime security talks with U.S. commanders. Yet officials on both sides express a willingness to engage when needed, underscoring the ongoing interest in dialogue despite a cooling of some channels.
White House officials cautioned that China’s announcement does not completely close the door to high-level military discussions, but it does increase the likelihood of rising tension and potential misunderstandings.
Even with Beijing’s protests, the Speaker of the House visited Taiwan in early August, a move that China regards as a claim on its territory. In response, Beijing launched large-scale exercises around the island as a show of force and resolve. The United States, while not officially recognizing an independent Taiwan, continues to supply military aid and weapons to the island, aiming to prevent any further escalation while avoiding a repeat of past incidents that could destabilize the broader region.
Experts interviewed for this report now view the risk of a similar inadvertent incident as escalating, emphasizing the need for steady communications and careful diplomacy to prevent a dangerous chain reaction.
location of china
During a press conference at the ASEAN-C Cambodia summit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi argued that Beijing’s response to Pelosi’s visit was legitimate and that the military exercises near Taiwan were conducted with transparency and professionalism. He urged all parties to stay vigilant about regional security and the potential for missteps that could erode stability.
Commenting on the United States increasing its military footprint in the region, Wang Yi urged restraint and warned against provocative actions that could worsen the crisis. He urged Washington to avoid strategies that create problems to achieve broader goals, insisting that such a tactic would backfire on all involved.
Wang Yi also warned that if the principle of non-interference in internal affairs is violated or ignored, the international order could regress toward lawlessness. He suggested that a more assertive stance from the United States would invite stronger responses from smaller and medium-sized nations as they push back against coercive behavior.
He concluded that Washington appears to be testing the current status quo in the Taiwan Strait, raising concerns about stability in a sensitive maritime region.