Henry Kissinger meets with China’s defense minister in Beijing

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger conferred with China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu in Beijing on Tuesday, according to a ministry statement.

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing did not respond promptly to a request for comment from CNBC.

John Kerry, special presidential envoy for climate, is also in Beijing for climate talks, coinciding with Kissinger’s appointment with Li. Kerry’s travel to China follows recent trips by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Despite increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Li and his U.S. defense counterpart have not communicated officially.

Blinken stated that he was unsuccessful in restoring military-to-military dialogue with China during his visit last month.