On Tuesday, September 9th, the US Secretary of Defense, Haggerty, and the Chinese Minister of Defense, Dong Jun, had a video call. The Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, Sean Parnell, stated on Wednesday, September 10th, that Haggerty clearly expressed that the US has no intention of conflict with China and does not seek to change or suppress the People’s Republic of China (PRC, Communist China) regime. At the same time, Haggerty also candidly told Dong Jun that the US has “vital interests” in the Asia-Pacific region, and will steadfastly protect these interests.
The Pentagon’s statement used typical diplomatic language, emphasizing that Haggerty and Dong Jun exchanged views in a “frank and constructive” manner. Both parties agreed to further discussions.
At the “Shangri-La Dialogue” held in Singapore from late May to early June this year, Haggerty also made statements about the US not seeking conflict with Beijing, but he clarified the US stance at that time. He said the US would not provoke disputes or seek to conquer or humiliate others. However, “we will not be squeezed out of this crucial region (Indo-Pacific). We will not let our allies and partners be threatened or intimidated.”
According to the news release from the Chinese Ministry of Defense, Dong Jun told Haggerty during the video call that China and the US should maintain communication and establish a stable and positive military relationship, adhering to the principle of no conflict and no confrontation, which is a consensus and a bottom line for both sides.
Dong Jun mentioned the Taiwan issue, stating that any attempts to “support Taiwan independence through armed means” or “control Taiwan to restrain China” will be thwarted.
While the Pentagon’s statement did not mention the Taiwan issue, Haggerty had previously clarified the Trump administration’s stance on Taiwan during the “Shangri-La Dialogue.” He stated that the US believes that “any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force will have devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific region and the world. There is no reason to gloss over this fact. The threat posed by the CCP is real.”
He further added that the US goal is to prevent war and make the cost of war extremely high so that peace becomes the only choice. The US will achieve this through a strong deterrent shield. However, if deterrence fails and if the US military commanders give the order, “we will be prepared to do what the Department of Defense does best – fight bravely and win.”
The “Shangri-La Dialogue” was originally an opportunity for Haggerty and Dong Jun to meet for the first time, however, Dong Jun unexpectedly missed this important defense forum, which caused a stir at the time.
During the video call with Haggerty, Dong Jun expressed that China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea together with regional countries, resolutely opposing any infringement and provocation by individual countries and deliberate disturbances by foreign countries.
This perspective is in stark contrast to the Pentagon’s view. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Haggerty mentioned that Communist China is attempting to become a hegemonic power in Asia. In the South China Sea, China harasses its neighboring countries and attempts to intimidate in their waters. He cited instances like Chinese maritime militia vessels launching water cannon attacks against Philippine ships, and “we have also seen (China) illegally seizing land and militarizing in the South China Sea.”
“We are closely monitoring China’s destabilizing behavior. Any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo in the South China Sea and the First Island Chain by force or coercion is unacceptable,” stated Haggerty.