US, Chinese military hold talks on crisis communication to reduce risk to forces

Amid heightened Si-US tensions, military chiefs of China and United States held talks on crisis communication via video teleconference on October 28-29. meeting came at a time when US Secretary Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper were on Asia tour to counterbalance China’s growing influence in region.

Pentagon said that first Crisis Communications Working Group was convened to discuss concepts of crisis communications, crisis prevention, and crisis manment. It stated that meeting provided an opportunity to build mutual understanding between US military and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on principles to prevent and man crisis and reduce risk to forces. 

“ two sides agreed on importance of establishing mechanisms for timely communication during a crisis, as well as need to maintain regular communication channels to prevent crisis and conduct post-crisis assessment,” said Department of Defense in a statement.

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US denies planning drone attack

Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said that United States has denied a media report of planning to attack Chinese islands and reefs in South China Sea using an MQ-9 drone, at a time when US elections are t looking favourable for President Donald Trump. Wu said that Esper has clarified through military and diplomatic channels that US has “ intention of creating a military crisis” with Chinese.

“It is hoped that US and China will meet halfway, strengn communication, man risks, increase mutual trust, prevent misjudgments, and push China-US relations back to right track of coordination, cooperation, and stability,” Wu told a press conference. 

In recent months, China and United States have increased ir military activities near Taiwan which later calls “ordinary mission”. strait has been witnessing regular US sailings since Washington has emerged as a strong supporter of Taiwan’s inclusion on international platforms. Earlier in October, US Pacific Fleet anunced that USS Barry, an Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, conducted a “routine” transit “in accordance with international law”, enraging China.

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