Thread by @TangAnZhu

General Li is speaking at @IISS_org #SLD23

"Mutual respect should prevail over bullying and hegemony. Where there is bullying and hegemony, there is chaos and worse."

“Hegemony denies other countries their strategic autonomy and development.”

“Some countries take a different approach to international rules and norms…. The so-called rules-based international order does not define the rules.”

The rules for safe operations of planes and vessels are quiet clear, however.
globalnews.ca/news/9743650/c…

General Li opposes "block politics" and "NATO-like alliances" in the region.

Region needs, "big pies" [?] of partnerships.

"We need an Asia Pacific with lasting stability, rather than chaos and instability."

“China is ready to work with all partners to create more equitable rules.”

Will accelerate consultations on the COC in the SCS. Continue to work on CUES.

"Taiwan is the core of China's core interests."

Questions about unprofessional operations of PLA planes and vessels, asking Gen Li whether such unsafe maneuvers are in their interest, and whether China will engage in consultations and follow existing rules and agreements.

“We will follow unclos. We have no problem with innocent passage. We need to prevent the use of innocent passage being used for hegemony. Foreign vessels are not hear for innocent passage. They are here for provocation.”

On the US: “China is open to communications between our two countries and militaries. So far, we have had smooth communications about channels at different levels. But we have our principles. But they need to be based on mutual respect...."

"...If we do not have mutual respect, they will not be productive.”

@DrTimHuxley asks about lessons learned from Ukraine.

@lkyspp alumni Kyi Sin asks General Li about the relationship between the PLA and the Myanmar junta.

A couple of General Li’s statements did not make my real-time thread. He speaks faster than my thumbs.

I was surprised he said the offensive idiom, “for our friends we have fine wine, for jackals we have shotguns.”

His concluding remarks will feed meme machines for awhile.

When pressed to respond to unsafe incidents, he asked somewhat rhetorically, “why do these incidents happen in areas close to China, not other countries?”

“Because China does not do these hegemonic actions near other countries.”

“The best way to avoid incidents is to avoid hegemonic behaviors. What is the point of you being there? MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Take care of your own territorial waters and airspace.”

My Chinese friends told me they thought General Li’s remarks and his delivery were “softer” and “more polite” and “measured” than previous defense ministers.

I’m not sure the room agreed.

The questions from the floor and chatter afterwards underscored that the region sees a big disconnect between China’s actions and their words.