Austin speaks with Chinese counterpart in first at-length conversation since 2022

News Snapshot:

CNN — US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on Tuesday morning with China’s Minister of National Defense Adm. Dong Jun, marking both Austin’s first call with Dong and his first at-length conversation with his Chinese counterpart since November 2022. During their teleconference call, Austin and Dong “discussed U.S.-PRC defense relations and regional and global security issues,” a news release said Tuesday morning. “Secretary Austin underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea,” the release said. “He also discussed Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine and expressed concerns about...