China rejects requests for engagement with US defense chief, top general: Pentagon

China rejects requests for engagement with US defense chief, top general: Pentagon

China declines requests for engagement with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, Pentagon mentioned on Monday, as Beijing wrapped up three days of workout routines round Taiwan.

The company mentioned it’s “closely monitoring” China’s actions.

“Lines between our militaries are particularly important in scenarios like this, and we call on Beijing to engage us in this channel,” Chris Meagher, the assistant to the secretary of protection for public affairs, instructed reporters.

Meagher mentioned the US navy continues to conduct routine operations within the Philippine Sea with the Nimitz plane service group and a Marine Amphibious Ready Group, noting that the US can’t be deterred from working in worldwide waters and airspace by China’s actions.

Beijing mentioned on Monday that its newest navy drills encircling Taiwan are a “stern warning to Taiwan secessionist forces and their collusion with external forces.”

The Taiwanese president denounced the drills and pledged to work with “the US and other like-minded countries” within the face of what she mentioned “continued authoritarian expansionism.”

China views self-ruled Taiwan as its territory.

Source: www.anews.com.tr