JAKARTA -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday renewed Washington's commitment to arming Taiwan, suggesting that the U.S. will continue to develop military ties with the island even amid resumed dialogue with China.
Defense chief calls for 'substantive' dialogue with China amid rapprochement

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin attends an expanded meeting of ASEAN defense ministers meeting in Jakarta on Nov. 16. (Pool via AP)
JAKARTA -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday renewed Washington's commitment to arming Taiwan, suggesting that the U.S. will continue to develop military ties with the island even amid resumed dialogue with China.