China defence minister offers military assistance ahead of Xi US visit
Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum a week before Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, Chinese defence minister Dong Jun delivered a measured address that made veiled criticisms of the United States but avoided naming contentious topics such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. Dong publicly offered to share China's experience in military building and to "provide assistance within our capabilities" to other armed forces, and he urged dialogue, multipolarity and multilateralism. The speech coincides with signs of stronger US-China military communication, recent joint exercises, and Beijing's growing confidence ahead of the PLA's centenary next year.
China offered military assistance and avoided mentioning Taiwan or the South China Sea
Context
Xi is due to visit Washington next week. Dong spoke at the Xiangshan Forum and skipped Taiwan and the South China Sea. He offered military assistance and China may raise Taiwan during Xi's talks.
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