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Opinion | Rivalries aside, it’s vital for US and Chinese navies to keep talking
- American officials participated in the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao amid the resumption of military talks between the US and China
- Geopolitical rivalry overshadows bilateral cooperation but managing differences and fostering trust are key to advancing maritime security
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April 23 marked the 75th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in China, celebrated with various activities showcasing its achievements, capabilities and contributions to national defence and maritime security.
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Alongside events in multiple coastal cities offering visitors the opportunity to board PLA navy vessels, significant attention was focused on the start of the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, held from April 21 to 24.
Themed “Seas of Shared Future”, this biennial meeting was convened with more than 180 foreign naval officials from 29 countries, who voted to adopt the latest version of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea and the updated disaster response guidelines. Additionally, it served as a stage for military diplomacy, and was closely observed for signs of increased engagement between China and the United States.
On April 23, during a talk in Washington, US navy secretary Carlos Del Toro called for enhanced engagement between the navies of both countries, in traditional and non-traditional security fields. He stressed the significance of cultivating a sustainable military relationship with China. This stance was articulated even as he has acknowledged that the recent trilateral summit involving the US, Japan and the Philippines was prompted by concerns over China’s maritime claims.
Amid discussions on China-US naval competition, concerns have arisen about major shipbuilding delays in the US. Some have even labelled the shipping industry as a new battleground in the US-China trade war. Additionally, there are concerns about China’s burgeoning shipbuilding industry and the PLA Navy’s expanding capacity, potentially providing Beijing with a strategic advantage in conflicts.
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There are growing calls advocating for the US Navy to promptly develop and deploy additional capabilities, as well as address issues with ship design, production, maintenance, repair and human resources. Del Toro has said the US would be open to shipyards in Japan and South Korea assembling some warships to increase production.
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