China and US defence chiefs meet in-person to smooth relationship, but both sides trade barbs over Taiwan

China says the first face-to-face meeting 'went smoothly', but Beijing and Washington remain polarised over several volatile security situations and there was no evidence of any breakthrough on settling long-running disputes.

The defence chiefs of China and the United States have held face-to-face talks for the first time, with both sides standing firm on their opposing views over Taiwan's right to rule itself.But they remained strong with polarising views over Taiwan, Ukraine and the South China SeaUS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore for nearly an hour, double the time initially allotted.

"The PLA would have no choice but to fight at any cost and crush any attempt of Taiwan independence, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the spokesman said. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry thanked the United States for the show of support and denounced China's "absurd" claims of sovereignty.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

abcnews /  🏆 5. in AU

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

‘There is danger ahead’: Taiwan facing renewed threat from China
Read more »

Goodie bag to promote US industry contained ‘Made in China’ giftsPresident Joe Biden and Google chief Sundar Pichai among attendees offered free bag at development summit
Read more »

‘Ironclad brothers’: what China wants from its role in Cambodia’s biggest naval baseAnalysis: reports the Chinese military will get exclusive use of part of Ream base have been denied, but experts say nature of the arrangement remains unclear
Read more »

NZ-Australia are in ‘lockstep’ on China: Albanese
Read more »

Trade Minister seeks meeting with ChinaTrade Minister Don Farrell will attempt to restore Australia's relationship with its largest trading partner - but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flagged China must drop the sanctions slapped on his country to successfully reignite the ties.
Read more »