US to attend China’s Xiangshan Forum on September 12-14
- Michael Chase, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, will represent the U.S. at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing from September 12-14.
- This participation follows a three-year absence due to the pandemic and aims to maintain military communication and clarify U.S. positions on global security.
- The forum is significant, with over 90 countries expected to attend, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in addressing rising tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan.
The United States is set to send Michael Chase, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, to the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing from September 12-14. This marks a return to participation for the U.S. after a hiatus from 2020 to 2022 due to the pandemic. Chase's attendance is seen as a continuation of U.S. efforts to maintain military communication with China, following recent high-level discussions between U.S. and Chinese defense officials. The forum is expected to host delegations from over 90 countries and international organizations, highlighting its significance in global security discussions. The U.S. aims to ensure that China understands its position on various global security issues, particularly in light of rising tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. The Pentagon's engagement at the forum is intended to prevent miscalculations that could arise from misunderstandings between the two military powers. This approach aligns with previous dialogues, including a recent meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun. China's assertive stance on territorial claims, especially regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea, has raised concerns among U.S. allies, including the Philippines. The U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to defend Taiwan, which China considers a core interest. The ongoing tensions in the region have prompted the U.S. and the Philippines to strengthen their defense cooperation through established guidelines. Overall, the upcoming forum represents a critical opportunity for dialogue and engagement between the U.S. and China, amidst a backdrop of heightened military tensions and strategic competition in the Asia-Pacific region.