US officials and experts believe Beijing's silence is a dangerous move.
The Chinese military command does not answer numerous calls from of their American counterparts this week, amid heightened tensions over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Politico reports.
China is ignoring US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley as it continues to launch missiles, deploy warships and aircraft during military exercises near Taiwan. Officials and experts believe China's silence is a short-sighted and ill-advised move that increases the risk of escalation in a tense situation.
US military leaders are keen to keep lines of communication open even with potential adversaries like China to to prevent miscalculations that could develop into a full-scale conflict.
But Milley's last conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Joint Chiefs of Staff General Li Zuochen, took place on July 7, the Pentagon said. During a secure video conference call, the two discussed the need to keep lines of communication open and reduce risk, according to a statement from Milley's office. While Austin met personally with Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenge in June in Singapore.
“The minister has repeatedly emphasized the importance of open communication with China's defense leaders so that we can avoid any miscalculations,” the source said. Pentagon.
Earlier, China announced that it was suspending certain official dialogues between top US military commanders, including regional commanders, as well as talks on maritime security. The announcement did not specifically address Austin and Milli, and US officials said they were still open to dialogue with the PRC.
White House Press Secretary John Kirby said China's announcement “does not completely remove senior military personnel opportunities to speak,” but increases the risk of miscalculations.
“These lines of communication are really important to help reduce the risk of miscalculation and misperception,” Kirby added.
A Pentagon spokesman condemned the move by Beijing as “irresponsible” at a time of escalating tensions.
“We consider it irresponsible to close military communications channels at any level and on any scale during a crisis,” Kirby added.
Also read: US to leave aircraft carrier off Taiwan for against the backdrop of China's military exercises
Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry explained the military exercises against the background of the visit of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan. China said its military exercises around the Taiwan Strait were “necessary and fair.” left these places vacant. Why? Read in Natalia Butyrska's article “Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan: will there be a big war.”
See the special topic: Confrontation between the US and China China has announced the suspension of cooperation with the US in several areas due to Pelosi's visit to Taiwan In particular, Beijing is canceling dialogue with Washington at the level of military leaders. The White House summoned the Chinese ambassador to discuss the situation around Taiwan The US condemned the military exercises of the PRC, which destabilize the situation in the Taiwan Strait. China Announces Sanctions Against Pelosi Over Taiwan Trip – Bloomberg China's Foreign Ministry announced action against Pelosi and her immediate family. China's Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassadors of European countries over the statement on Taiwan European diplomats protested. US to leave aircraft carrier near Taiwan amid Chinese military exercises Washington also postponed a planned test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
