In ‘Irresponsible Act,’ China Trims Defense Communications with US
White House decries reduction in discussion channels at a time of rising tensions.
TARA COPP | AUGUST 5, 2022
CHINA ASIA-PACIFIC WHITE HOUSE CONGRESS
The Chinese government announced Friday that it was severing its lines of communication with the United States on defense, climate, and other diplomatic issues in response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
Beijing’s move was an “irresponsible act” amid its recent escalation of missile launches and other military activity, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters during a phone briefing on Friday. “At a time of tension, and things are certainly tense, you want to be able to talk.”
China continued its intensified military response to Pelosi’s visit Friday, sending 68 fighter aircraft and 13 warships into the Taiwan Strait. In response, Taiwan’s ministry of foreign affairs tweeted, “This dangerous escalation of the military threat is wrecking peace and stability in the region and must be condemned.”
China also severed its cooperation with the U.S. on climate change and sanctioned Pelosi in response to the visit.
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2022/08/irresponsible-act-china-trims-defense-communications-us/375496/
