Chinese Def Min To US Counterpart: Taiwan Part Of China Is A Fact

Reuters reporting comments from the Chinese Defence Ministry following a call between Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin III, with Wei stating to Austin that Taiwan is 'part of China, and it is a fact that no-one can change'. Says that China's military will 'resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and territory'.

• State-run Beijing News reports Wei stating that "The two militaries should enhance military mutual trust, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, manage and control risks and crises, and carry out practical cooperation to ensure the normal and stable development of the relationship between the two militaries."
• Beijing News also reports comments from Austin, stating that the US "will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the military field with a frank and open attitude. The United States adheres to the one-China policy. The two sides should manage competition and risks in a responsible manner, and properly handle the difficulties facing the relationship between the two militaries."
• Beijing News quoting Wei: "China requires the US to stop conducting military provocations at sea, and not to use the Ukraine issue to smear, frame or threaten China."
• China-US relations remain in a precarious position. US wary of China offering outright support to Russia in an effort to bolster a US adversary. However, Russia's failure to capture Ukraine or oust President Zelenskyy has caused concern in Beijing about reliability of Russia as a potential ally.