Lorenzana agrees with China visit by US defense chief

July 22, 2020

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana agreed with the plan of United States Defense Secretary Mark Esper to visit China by the end of the year.

"I think it's good that Sec. Esper is planning to go to China to talked with his counterpart," Lorenzana said during the virtual press conference on Wednesday.

"You know if the two superpowers will discuss things. especially concern in the South China Sea. It could be good for us here in the region," he said.

"I think I agree with that plan... to go there and talk to each other," he added.

Following his statement about rejecting Beijing's claims in South China Sea, Esper expressed hope to visit China before the end of 2020.

"Before the year is out, I hope to visit the PRC for the first time as secretary in order to enhance cooperation on areas of common interest, establish the systems necessary for crisis communications and reinforce our intentions to openly compete in the international system," Esper said. Robina Asido/DMS