Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper Meeting with People’s Republic of China’s Minister of National Defense General Wei Fenghe
NOV. 18, 2019
Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with the State Councilor and Minister of National Defense, General Wei Fenghe, of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the margins of the ASEAN Defense Minister’s Meeting Plus held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Secretary Esper held a productive exchange with General Wei in their first in-person meeting since his appointment as Secretary of Defense. Building on their November 5, 2019, video teleconference discussion, the Secretary further defined his vision and priorities for a constructive, results-oriented U.S.-China defense relationship marked by transparency and non-aggression. He emphasized his desire to strengthen communication channels, effectively manage differences, and find common ground.
The meeting advances Secretary Esper’s interest in ensuring the U.S.-China defense relationship serves to prevent and manage crisis; reduce risk of miscalculation or misunderstanding; and enhance cooperation on shared interests.