Amidst rising tensions between the US and China, a key signal of potential reconciliation has emerged. The US is set to participate in the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, China’s top annual security forum, with a high-level delegation. Michael Chase, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, will be attending the forum, which takes place from September 12th to 14th.
This move is particularly significant considering the current state of US-China relations. Chase’s position is more senior than the US official who attended the forum last year, indicating a potential shift towards a more engaged approach. The presence of a senior official like Chase aligns with the Pentagon’s historical norms, reflecting a desire for increased military dialogue. Notably, Chase co-chaired US-China military talks in Washington earlier this year, marking the first such working-level talks since 2022.
The US’s participation in the Xiangshan Forum comes at a time when tensions between the two countries are high, primarily centered around issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and strongly opposes any US arms sales to the island. Meanwhile, the US has expressed concern over China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, its military activities around Taiwan, and its lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program.
While the US seeks to engage with China on a military level, it remains to be seen whether this gesture will lead to substantive progress in addressing the contentious issues that continue to strain their relationship. The Xiangshan Forum provides a platform for dialogue and could pave the way for deeper working-level engagement, but it remains uncertain whether it will result in any concrete agreements or breakthroughs.
