China Cancels Annual US Security Talks

Mattis's visit cancelled, but he downplays risk of worsening ties

Jason Ditz 

Posted onOctober 1, 2018CategoriesNewsTagsChina, Mattis

Defense Secretary James Mattis is downplaying the mounting tensions between the US and China, saying he doesn’t expect ties to worsen any further. The signs are, however, that the situation is still getting worse.

On Monday, China announced that they are canceling the annual high-ranking US-China security meeting in Beijing. This was supposed to see Mattis meeting top Chinese military officers, but Mattis’ visit has been cancelled.

The move comes amid military tensions between the US and China in the South China Sea, as well as an ongoing trade war. Though Mattis doesn’t see this as a sign things are getting even worse, they clearly aren’t getting any better.

While it’s not clear if the talks are totally cancelled permanently, or if they might be held at a later date, right now the odds aren’t good. Chinese officials are reportedly mad at President Trump for accusing them of meddling in the election.

https://news.antiwar.com/2018/10/01/china-cancels-annual-us-security-talks/