U.S. sanctions on China defense chief loom over chance for talks

Beijing seeks rollback; Washington says still open to dialogue

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, left, and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu. (Source photos by Ryo Nakamura and Russian Defence Ministry via Reuters)

RYO NAKAMURA, Nikkei staff writer

May 12, 2023 01:19 JST

WASHINGTON -- American sanctions against Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu have emerged as a sticking point ahead of an opportunity for the two sides to resume defense dialogue amid simmering tensions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, scheduled to begin June 2. Li may also be present, as China usually sends its defense minister to the forum.