OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:30 AM PT – Thur. January 3, 2019
Chinese officials respond to a shift in policy direction at the Defense Department, under Acting Secretary Patrick Shanahan.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang tried to smooth over relations at a press conference Thursday, in response to Shanahan reportedly making efforts to counter Beijing as his top priority.
The official touted the “relatively good communication” between the U.S. and China in recent weeks, but warned the country is not afraid to protect itself when necessary.
FILE – In this Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018 file photo, Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, speaks to reporters on the steps of the River entrance of the Pentagon. President Donald Trump says Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will leave his post on Jan. 1. Trump announced Mattis’ new departure date in a tweet, and said he’s naming deputy defense chief Patrick Shanahan as acting secretary. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, file)
“We will prioritize developing cooperation between our armed forces and those of other countries, including America’s,” said Kang. “Also — looking at the bigger picture for our countries — if what we mutually seek is a partner, then we will likely get a partner. But If what we seek is an adversary, then we will certainly get an adversary.”
Shanahan said he’s committed to carrying out President Trump’s vision at the Pentagon, which includes protecting Taiwan and the South China Sea from Chinese military aggression.