Admiral Samuel Paparo, the new commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, spoke with General Wu Yanan, the commander of China's Southern Theater, marking the first formal conversation between these regional military commanders in years. This call, confirmed by U.S. officials and the Chinese Defense Ministry, is part of efforts by both superpowers to rebuild military ties and reduce the risk of conflict.
During the video teleconference, Paparo emphasized the importance of sustained communication to mitigate misperception or miscalculation. He also urged China to comply with international laws and norms to ensure operational safety and reconsider its "dangerous, coercive and potentially escalatory tactics" in the South China Sea and beyond. Paparo specifically mentioned the recent increase in Chinese coast guard, military, and maritime militia vessels near the Philippines, with 207 vessels logged in one week in early September.
Both commanders are relatively new to their roles, with Paparo assuming command in May and Wu in July. The discussion was described as "constructive and respectful." This re-establishment of communication comes after Chinese leader Xi Jinping cut off military communications in 2022 following then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Paparo's predecessor, Admiral John Aquilino, had repeatedly sought meetings with Chinese commanders responsible for the Taiwan Strait and Southern Theater but was denied.
This call follows an agreement between President Biden and President Xi to resume high-level military communications at a summit in California in November, and subsequent discussions between National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese officials in Beijing. The two countries are also planning a phone call between Biden and Xi in the coming weeks, potentially leading to another in-person meeting before the end of Biden's term. While Paparo noted the importance of continued communication with all five Chinese theater commanders, the focus remains on de-escalation in areas like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
