Australia's defence minister has held talks with his Chinese counterpart in the first meeting between the two countries in three years:
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles speaks during a press conference at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defense and security forum, in Singapore, on Sunday, 12 June, 2022.Australia and China's defence ministers met for the first time in three years on Sunday, with the talks described as "an important first step" following a period of strained ties.
"It is really important in these times to have open lines of dialogue," said Mr Marles, who is also Australia's deputy prime minister. But speaking from Singapore where he is attending the Shangri-La Dialogue, Mr Marles said his government has been very clear it wants to go about its international relations in a way that is "sober, professional and based on respect" which is important during complex times."The more complex the times, the more important there is dialogue and proper diplomacy," he said.
Mr Marles also met with France's Defence Minister, Sébastien Lecornu. The two were positive about the interaction, both ambitious to start again with a clean slateThe United States and its allies traded barbs with China, especially on Taiwan, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadowed discussions.
Mr Austin and General Wei met on Friday and reiterated they want to better manage their relationship although there was no sign of any breakthrough in resolving differences.