“During the conversation, Minister Esper called on the PRC to be more open about COVID, expressed concern over the destabilizing activities of the PRC in Taiwan and the South China Sea, and called on the PRC to comply with international obligations. Minister Esper also stressed the importance of the PRC adhering to international rules, norms and obligations, ”Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said at a press conference. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
As specified, Esper noted the importance of "constructive, stable and result-oriented defense relations between the United States and China."
On July 21, Mark Esper announced his intention to visit China.