Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun held talks with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday during the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Malaysia. The meeting marked a renewed channel of communication between the two militaries amid regional tensions.
China Reaffirms Position on Taiwan
During the meeting, Minister Dong reiterated that the reunification of both sides of the Taiwan Straits is an irreversible historical trend. He urged the U.S. to adopt a prudent stance on Taiwan-related matters and take a clear position against what he called “Taiwan independence.” Dong emphasised that China remains firmly committed to peaceful development while resolutely safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.
He further stated that China has the confidence and capacity to respond to any provocative or infringing acts, calling on Washington to align its words with actions by refraining from containing or confronting China.
Commitment to Dialogue and Stability
Dong said the recent meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump in South Korea had set the strategic direction for the next phase of China-U.S. relations, underscoring the potential for mutual benefit and shared prosperity. He urged both defence departments to implement the leaders’ consensus through practical measures, including strengthening policy dialogue, improving mutual trust, and encouraging exchanges between military academies, think tanks, and personnel.
Constructive Engagement Highlighted
Hegseth described the meeting as “good and constructive” in a statement posted on X, noting its importance in maintaining open communication channels between the two sides.
Chinese analysts also viewed the discussion as significant. They stated that the meeting not only helps carry out the consensus between the two heads of state but also contributes to restoring strategic communication and managing potential risks.
Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, said the high-level talks serve as a guiding step in shaping stable and constructive interactions between China and the U.S. across various sectors.
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