Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu stated today, Sunday, that "the Cold War mentality has resurfaced in the Asia-Pacific region, but our country seeks dialogue, not confrontation." In a speech during the Shangri-La Dialogue security meetings in Singapore, the Chinese minister accused "some countries" of intensifying the arms race and intentionally interfering in the internal affairs of others, referring to the United States. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticized China in a speech at the security meeting on Saturday for refusing to engage in military talks. In informal remarks on the sidelines of the summit, two Chinese military officials indicated that "Beijing wants clear signals from Washington to adopt a non-confrontational approach in Asia, which should include lifting the sanctions imposed on the Chinese defense minister before resuming military talks."
A senior U.S. State Department official is visiting China amid strained relations. The official arrived in Beijing today, Sunday, for scheduled meetings this week as Washington seeks to enhance communication with China. The department stated in a press release on Saturday that
