China rejects meeting with US Defense Chief: Pentagon

Washington: China has declined an invitation for a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, according to the Pentagon.

The proposed meeting was intended to take place in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security summit.

The refusal comes amidst heightened tensions between the US and China on various issues.

Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder expressed disappointment with China's unwillingness to engage in meaningful military discussions but reiterated the US commitment to seeking open lines of communication.

The decision is expected to further strain regional tensions.

Both Austin and Li will be attending the summit in Singapore, where Li is scheduled to deliver a speech on China's new security initiative and hold bilateral meetings with relevant countries.

Austin will also visit Japan, India, and France as part of his trip.