Pentagon seeks to maintain military communication with China

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
31 Aug 2023 23:58
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Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder says military-to-military communications with China are important to avoid miscalculations.

Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (AP)

Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder said that the US hopes to continue trying to establish military-to-military communication with China in order to decrease the potential of miscalculation.

"We will continue to seek open lines of communication [with China]," Ryder said.

Moreover, Ryder underscored that Admiral John Aquilino, the commander of Indo-Pacific Command, met in mid-August with Chinese military officials at the 2023 Chiefs of Defense Conference in Fiji.

This statement came after the US Department of State granted approval for a potential sale of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, along with other equipment, to Taiwan, on August 23. This sale, with a maximum potential value of $500 million, has been confirmed by the Pentagon.

The statement claimed that this proposed sale would not disrupt the fundamental military equilibrium in the region. However, this decision could potentially cause tensions with Beijing, as China has persistently urged the US, Taiwan's primary arms provider, to cease weapon sales to the island nation.

The contract's principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corp, the manufacturer of the F-16 fighter jets. President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan recently announced an anticipated 3.5% year-on-year increase in military expenditure, aiming to enhance defense capabilities.

It's important to note that the $500 million figure represents the maximum potential value of the contract and that the actual value is expected to be lower.