Top US, Chinese military officials hold first video call

10/9/2024 12:10

        The United States and China held theatre-level commander talks for the first time on Tuesday, Chinese authorities said, as the two nations look to stabilise military ties and prevent military misunderstandings.
        
        Washington seeks to open new channels of regular military communication with Beijing since ties sank to a historic low after the United States downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon last year.
        
        Admiral Sam Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, held a video telephone call with his counterpart Wu Yanan of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army.
        
        Both sides had an "in depth exchange of views on issues of common concern," the Chinese defence ministry said in a readout.
        
        The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
        
        The call followed a meeting in Beijing last month between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's leading military adviser, seeking such talks.