Tensions Between US and China Remain High Amid Meetings Between US and Chinese Defense Ministers

US Defense Secretary William Cohen arrived in Beijing on his first day of meetings with Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian since US-China ties were severely strained last year. Despite the warming relations, deep differences over key strategic issues remain. Cohen's visit signals a move towards improving ties between the two nations, but China's stance on Taiwan remains a major point of contention.

Chi Haotian stressed that China will never give up the right to use force against Taiwan, a claim that has been met with skepticism by the US. The US has repeatedly expressed its commitment to helping protect Taiwan from a violent takeover by China. Cohen and Chi discussed ways to stop the proliferation of weapons, including US concerns that China has been selling missile technology to Pakistan. The Chinese government has denied these allegations.

A recent Pentagon report suggested that conflict between China and Taiwan, with the US in the middle, is the dominant scenario guiding Chinese military planning. This has raised concerns in the US about the potential for nuclear conflict. China has also threatened to respond to the planned US missile defense system in Asia, which would potentially neutralize their threats against Taiwan.

Chi Haotian indicated to Cohen that reserving the right to use force does not mean they intend to use it, but this assurance has not alleviated tensions. Beijing has refused to accept US and NATO officials' explanation for the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, which led to the deterioration in relations. Cohen and Chi also discussed the need for talks between China and Taiwan, but it remains unclear how this will be achieved.

Key Takeaways:

• China will never give up the right to use force against Taiwan, according to Defense Minister Chi Haotian.
• US Defense Secretary William Cohen and Chi Haotian discussed stopping the proliferation of weapons, including US concerns that China has been selling missile technology to Pakistan.
• The US retains its commitment to helping protect Taiwan from a violent takeover by China.
• A recent Pentagon report suggested that conflict between China and Taiwan, with the US in the middle, is the dominant scenario guiding Chinese military planning.
• China has threatened to respond to the planned US missile defense system in Asia, which would potentially neutralize their threats against Taiwan.
• Cohen and Chi discussed the need for talks between China and Taiwan.
• China has refused to accept US and NATO officials' explanation for the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade.

Statistics:

• Approximately 20 nuclear-armed missiles capable of reaching American soil are believed to be owned by China (Pentagon report).
• The United States has not yet decided whether to deploy a missile defense system in Asia, which faces technical problems and opposition by China, Russia, and other countries.
• $100 million was spent on a recent test of the booster rocket for the missile defense system, which failed to release a missile interceptor into space toward a mock incoming warhead.

Sources:

• "China's Chi says he has no intent to use force," Associated Press.
• "Beijing Objects to U.S. Plans for Theater Missile Defense," Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.
• "Cohen says U.S. wants China to talk to Taiwan," Reuters.