State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe told Austin that 'If the Taiwan issue were not handled properly, it would have a damaging impact on Sino-U.S. relations,' according to Beijing
* Biden will meet the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Combatant Commanders at the Wednesday
* Later he and first lady Jill Biden will host the military leaders and their spouses
* Comes after the White House announced the latest $800 military aid package to Ukraine
* Officials could announce another such package within days
* Ukraine is resisting Russia's invasion as its forces focus on the south and east
* Defense Sec. Austin spoke to his Chinese counterpart, who issued warning about Taiwan, according to statement from Beijing
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a rare phone call with his Chinese counterpart who warned him that Taiwan is part of China – amid signals that Russia's war on Ukraine is impacting how planners are viewing a potential conflict.
Taiwan is a part of China and no one can change that, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe said on Wednesday during a rare phone call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, according to a statement from Beijing.
'If the Taiwan issue were not handled properly, it would have a damaging impact on Sino-U.S. relations,' Wei added, according to statement published by the defense ministry.
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WNU Editor: The Chinese made their opinions felt even before this phone call was made. According to Chinese officials US Defense Secretary Austin had tried for months to set up a call with Gen. Xu Qiliang, the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military structure, but China insisted he speak instead with Wei.
Update: Here is Chinese state media's take on this conversation .... China warns U.S. not to use Ukraine issue to smear, frame China (CGTN).
In Their First Call With Each Other, China’s Top Military General Issues Demands To US Secretary of Defense Austin
US Pentagon chief speaks for 1st time to Chinese counterpart -- AP
Pentagon chief speaks with China's defense minister for first time under Biden -- Reuters
China tells US Taiwan is part of China in first call with Secretary Austin: Report -- FOX News
Defense chief Austin speaks with Chinese counterpart for first time in office -- NYPost
China issues demands to US in first call with SECDEF Austin -- American Military News