Mao Ning, the spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, called on the United States to take steps that would pave the way for a high-level defense ministers’ meeting between China and the United States. He conveyed this message during a press briefing, outlining China’s expectation that Washington acknowledge and address concerns about sovereignty, security, and national interests. According to him, creating a constructive atmosphere is essential before any dialogue between the heads of the Chinese and American military departments can take place.
He emphasized that sincerity from the American side is required and that practical measures should be taken to foster a conducive environment for candid discussions. In his view, such conditions would show a willingness to engage seriously and to move beyond rhetoric toward tangible diplomacy that could ease tensions and reduce the risk of miscommunication between the two militaries.
Meanwhile, a report from The Wall Street Journal, referencing the Pentagon, indicated that Washington did not support arranging a meeting between the defense ministers, Lloyd Austin of the United States and Li Shangfu of China, within the context of the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference scheduled for Singapore in early June. The rejection pointed to broader questions about timing and the depth of the bilateral military engagement that could be pursued at a major security forum this year.
Concerns about possible sanctions and their potential impact on high-level engagements were also raised, as Matthew Miller, who previously spoke for the U.S. State Department, avoided commenting on whether sanctions against the Chinese defense leadership or the broader Chinese government should be lifted in exchange for a personal meeting with the U.S. defense chief. The ambiguity surrounding sanctions underscores the delicate balancing act Washington faces when considering new opportunities for dialogue with Beijing.
Earlier reporting from Financial Times, relying on its own sources, suggested that a direct meeting between the U.S. Secretary of Defense and his Chinese counterpart remained unlikely in the near term. The speculation reflected a diplomatic landscape shaped by ongoing strategic competition, security commitments in Asia, and the persistent question of how to translate talk into practical steps toward greater military-to-military engagement. In this environment, both sides appear to be testing limits, seeking guarantees, and looking for openings that could reduce the risk of miscalculation in a tense bilateral relationship.