BEIJING: China announced on Wednesday that its defense minister stressed the importance of bolstering “trust” between Beijing and Washington during in their first substantive talks in nearly 18 months.
According to a readout from Beijing, Dong Jun told his US counterpart Lloyd Austin that “China and the United States should prioritize peace as the utmost, with stability being of paramount importance.” Dong urged for the gradual establishment of mutual trust between the two militaries.
Highlighting the significance of the military aspect, Dong emphasized its pivotal role in stabilizing the development of the relationship and averting major crises.
Moreover, the defense chief noted that Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are committed to advancing the stabilization and enhancement of bilateral relations.
