The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated today, Saturday, that "a Chinese military delegation visited Britain and France between June 24 and July 1 to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations in the defense field." The ministry said in a statement that "the Strategic Defense Consultation Delegation of the People's Liberation Army exchanged detailed views on issues of international and regional security of common concern and on developing mutual understanding and trust."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense noted that they hosted a strategic defense dialogue with China in London. The spokesperson said in a statement, "The discussions addressed relevant national defense strategies, the situation in Ukraine, security in the Indo-Pacific region, strategic stability, arms proliferation, the South China Sea, Taiwan, and military relations between the UK and China." Officials indicated that British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly may visit China this month, as London seeks to improve relations with Beijing and engage in areas such as trade, investment, and climate change, while also safeguarding itself against national security threats.
