China, US Defense Chiefs Hold Talks, Stay Firm on Taiwan Differences

The defense chiefs of China and the United States held face-to-face talks in Singapore on Friday, and both sides reiterated their positions on Taiwan, a major source of tension between the two powers.

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said the talks "went smoothly." A Chinese defense ministry spokesman later said Wei reiterated Beijing's firm stance on Taiwan.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called on China to "refrain from further destabilizing actions" on Taiwan, a U.S. statement after the talks said.