JAKARTA - China has rejected the United States' request to hold a meeting of the defense chiefs of the two countries, on the sidelines of an annual security forum in Singapore this weekend, media reported on Monday.
"Last night, the RRT informed the US it had rejected our invitation in early May from Secretary Austin to meet with National Defense Minister RRT Li Shangfu in Singapore," the Pentagon said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal, referring to the RRT with its initials, the People's Republic of China., reported Reuters May 30.
The Pentagon said it believed in open communications "to ensure that competition does not turn into conflict."
White House spokesman John Kirby said last week there was a discussion by the Department of Defense to start talks between Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, who was appointed defense minister in March.
The prospect of a meeting between them is closely monitored, given regional security tensions and trade disputes that have thwarted plans to reconnect the two countries with the world's largest economy.
Meanwhile, Chinese officials have not explained the reasons for Minister Li's refusal. However, some security analysts say Beijing's frustration with US sanctions against Li is a possible reason.
Li, who security experts say is a veteran of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) modernization effort, has been sanctioned by the US since 2018 for purchasing warplanes and equipment from Russia's main arms exporter, Rosoboronexport.
Li is a member of the Central Military Commission, China's highest defense agency commanded by President Xi Jinping.
Last week, US Trade Minister Gina Raimondo and Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wentao exchanged opinions on trade, investment and export policies at a meeting in Washington, marking the meeting at the US-Chinese cabinet level for the first time in recent months.
Separately, Singapore-based security analyst Ian Storey said China's decision to 'avoid' Austin was not a good sign.
"When US-Chinese tensions escalate, General Li's refusal to meet with his American counterparts will make regional tensions escalate," Storey said.
Secretary Austin and Minister Li will be in Singapore to attend Shangri-la's Dialogue which is held annually and will open this year on Friday.
It was an informal meeting of defense officials and analysts, who also hosted a series of side meetings.
The two are expected to hold bilateral meetings with their colleagues, defense ministers from across the region.
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