In a surprising turn of events, the United States and China have resumed senior military talks after a hiatus of several months. The talks represent a significant step towards thawing the icy relations between the two powerful nations. The last time such high-level military discussions took place was in July of 2022.
The resumption of communications between the US and China comes on the heels of a report indicating that Chinese President Xi Jinping had informed President Biden during a meeting in San Francisco about China's intentions to reclaim Taiwan. The Taiwanese elections, scheduled to take place in the near future, have added further complexity to the situation.
Florida Republican Congressman Mike Waltz, a retired Green Beret commander and member of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, expressed cautious optimism about the talks. He emphasized the importance of maintaining back-channel communications to avoid misunderstandings and prevent any potential escalation. However, Congressman Waltz raised concerns about potential concessions made by the US in order to prompt China to reopen the lines of communication.
Waltz stressed that while China might prefer a reunification with Taiwan without military conflict, their military capabilities are rapidly advancing and expanding. President Xi's explicit mention of taking Taiwan, both in public and private, has raised alarms. Waltz questioned the unknown factors surrounding the reopening of communications and the potential risks involved.
The Taiwanese elections are critical in determining Beijing's next steps. If the party currently in power maintains its firm stance against China and continues to seek support from the US through arms purchases, tensions could escalate. Congressman Waltz specifically highlighted the period between 2025 and 2028 as a maximum window of danger.
The readiness of the US military in the event of a Chinese move on Taiwan was also raised as a concern. Waltz pointed out the need for a Reagan-style ship buildup, which would require a robust industrial base, workers, and shipyards that are currently lacking. Additionally, the deployment of US military assets to the Middle East and the limited availability of resources for maintenance further compound the challenges.
The ongoing deliberations on a foreign aid package have added pressure on lawmakers like Congressman Waltz to prioritize national security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the congressman emphasized that addressing the crisis at the US border should also be a priority, suggesting that it could serve as leverage to secure the border before extending support abroad.
The unforeseen developments in US-China relations underscore the complex and fragile balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. As both nations navigate their own domestic agendas and regional dynamics, the outcomes of ongoing talks and future actions will have far-reaching implications.
