Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
The People’s Republic of China declined a U.S. proposal to arrange a meeting between the defense ministers of both countries in late November, citing recent American arms sales to Taiwan, according to CNN.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had proposed talks with his Chinese counterpart, General Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the “ASEAN Plus” defense ministers’ meeting in Laos. However, Beijing rejected the invitation, attributing its decision to Washington’s recent military equipment sales to Taiwan.
Reports indicate that China often cancels meetings and severs communication channels in such instances, as a way to express dissatisfaction with U.S. policies.
In October, the U.S. State Department approved a potential arms deal with Taiwan, including NASAMS air defense systems and radar equipment, worth approximately $2 billion.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon recently confirmed its decision to allow the use of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine, a move that has drawn attention to U.S. military policies in the region.
On November 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Peru. During the meeting, Xi emphasized that maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait relies heavily on the U.S. handling the issue with caution. He urged Washington to refrain from supporting Taiwan’s independence and instead advocate for the peaceful reunification of the People’s Republic of China.
China’s firm stance on Taiwan remains unshaken, as it views the island as an inseparable part of its territory. However, the U.S. continues to pursue policies that challenge Beijing’s position, further complicating an already tense bilateral relationship marked by growing strategic and political differences.
