The United States and China have agreed to reopen high‑level military communication channels, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The decision follows a bilateral meeting between the two countries’ top military officials in Malaysia and is intended to “de‑escalate” potential conflicts. Both sides have pledged to maintain key dialogue channels that were severed by Beijing in 2022 after then‑House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
Late last year, the United States and China resumed military dialogue concerning the Indo‑Pacific region, although broader communication channels remained closed. At the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Hegseth met with Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun, and the two agreed to establish military‑to‑military channels to address any issues that may arise. Hegseth said additional meetings on the matter are scheduled soon.
Hegseth also urged China’s neighbors to strengthen their maritime forces to counter what he described as “threats” from Beijing’s aggression, accusing the Chinese government of “illegal activities” in the South China Sea—a region claimed by China and subject to overlapping claims by its neighbors. Admiral Dong called the talks “successful” and expressed hope that the United States will honor its commitment not to pursue conflict or attempt to “contain” China, while urging Washington to take a clear stance against “Taiwan independence.” The United States 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 United States and China is significant amid recent tensions. The move follows a trade deal sealed by former President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which helped diffuse weeks of strain during a trade‑war flare‑up. Reestablishing these channels is expected to reduce the risk of miscalculation and conflict, marking a positive step toward improving bilateral relations.
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