SINGAPORE – Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun told his United States counterpart that China remains committed to its promise of not supplying weapons to either side in the Ukraine conflict, a defense spokesperson said on Friday.

On Friday afternoon, Dong held talks with the US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the sideline of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Following the meeting, Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian revealed more details about the defense chiefs' talks at a news conference.

Dong said, regarding the Ukraine conflict, China has consistently maintained an objective and impartial stance, advocating for a political resolution, according to the spokesman.

The minister emphasized that China honors its commitment of not providing weapons to either side involved in the conflict and strictly regulates the export of dual-use items in accordance with the laws and regulations.

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Dong added that China will continue to firmly encourage peace talks and play a constructive role, but resolutely opposes the US shifting blame and shirking responsibilities.

South China Sea issue

Regarding the South China Sea situation, the Chinese defense minister told Austin that the Philippines' "perfidy" and provocation in issues including the Ren'ai Reef, is closely related to incitement and support by external forces, said Wu.

The minister highlighted that the US deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the Philippines under the pretext of military exercises has posed a substantial threat to regional security, which China firmly opposes.

Dong emphasized that China remains committed to resolving differences through equal consultation based on adherence to commitments, but will not tolerate actions that escalate provocations.

The meeting between the Chinese and US defense chiefs in Singapore lasted 75 minutes, "longer than expected," according to Wu.

This was the first face-to-face meeting between the Chinese and US defense chiefs since 2022.

In November 2022, then Chinese defense minister Wei Fenghe met with Lloyd Austin during the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Cambodia.

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According to Singapore's Ministry of Defense, Dong also met with Singapore's new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday.

On Thursday, Dong held talks with his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen.

Earlier this week, China's Defense Ministry announced that Dong would conduct a six-day visit to Singapore where he would also participate in the elite security conference Shangri-La Dialogue and deliver a speech on China's approach to safeguard global security.