The United States and China have agreed to reopen high-level military communication channels, according to US War Secretary Pete Hegseth. This development follows a bilateral meeting between the two countries’ top military officials in Malaysia. The move aims to “deescalate” potential conflicts, with both sides committing to maintain key channels for dialogue.
The communications were severed by Beijing in 2022, after a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Late last year, the US and China resumed military dialogue regarding the Indo-Pacific region, but broader communication channels remained closed.
Hegseth met with Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, where they agreed to establish military-to-military channels to address any issues that may arise. Hegseth stated that additional meetings on this matter are scheduled to take place soon.
However, Hegseth also urged China’s neighbors to strengthen their maritime forces to counter what he described as “threats” from China’s aggression. He accused Beijing of engaging in “illegal activities” in the South China Sea, a region claimed by China and subject to overlapping claims by its neighbors.
Admiral Dong described his talks with Hegseth as “successful” and expressed hope that the US will honor its commitment to not pursue conflict or try to “contain” China. He also called on the US to take a clear stance against “Taiwan independence.” The US officially adheres to the One-China policy but continues to provide military cooperation and arms to Taiwan.
The reopening of military communication channels between the US and China is significant, given the recent tensions between the two nations. The move follows a trade deal sealed by US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which helped to diffuse weeks of tension amid a trade war flare-up. The development is expected to help reduce the risk of miscalculation and conflict between the two nations, and marks a positive step towards improving relations.