China, U.S. defense chiefs say first talks 'constructive, productive'

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Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe and acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan held talks on Friday ahead of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore, officially known as the Asia Security Summit.

The two sides described the talks as "constructive and productive" after exchanging views on bilateral military relations, issues concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and other regional affairs of common interest.

"Both sides agreed that it's very important to maintain a stable Sino-U.S. military relationship," said Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing after the talks.

"The two militaries should implement the consensus reached between the two heads of states, deepen exchanges and cooperation, contain divergence and risks, so as to make the relationship the stabilizer of bilateral relations," he elaborated.

Wu also quoted Wei as saying the U.S. should not underestimate the determination and capability of the Chinese military in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that China is firmly opposed to a series of negative words and deeds by the U.S. on Taiwan issues.

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Buccino, a Pentagon spokesperson, said that the two leaders discussed ways to build military-to-military relations that reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation between the two nations, according to Reuters.

"Secretary Shanahan hopes to build on this evening's discussion with future engagements," Buccino said.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe (R) and acting U.S. Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan (L) meet before the start of their talks in Singapore on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, May 31, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Wei will attend the 18th SLD and deliver a speech on "China and international security cooperation" and meet with heads of delegations from various countries for exchanges on extensive topics.

He is leading a delegation to the event eight years after a Chinese defense minister took part last time.

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan as the Secretary of Defense at the beginning of May.

Shanahan, 56, served as the deputy secretary of defense from July 2017 to January 2019, when he became the acting secretary of defense.

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) listens next to Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan during a Cabinet meeting on day 12 of the partial U.S. government shutdown at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 2, 2019. /Reuters Photo

The SLD has been organized and convened annually by the British think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Singaporean government since 2002.

Senior officials, defense representatives and experts from countries including China, India, the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Japan and Australia will speak at the event. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will deliver the keynote address at the summit Friday.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe (R) and acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan (L) shake hands before the start of their meeting in Singapore on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, May 31, 2019. /Reuters Photo)

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