What's happened
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun held their first face-to-face meeting since Trump’s return, agreeing to establish military channels to deconflict and deescalate tensions amid ongoing disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. The talks follow Xi-Trump summit aiming to stabilize relations.
What's behind the headline?
The recent US-China military engagement marks a significant, though cautious, step toward stabilizing a fraught relationship. Establishing communication channels is essential for crisis management, but deep-rooted mistrust persists, especially over Taiwan. The US remains committed to supporting Taiwan’s self-governance, while China views reunification as an unavoidable goal. The absence of explicit discussions on Taiwan during the Xi-Trump summit suggests a strategic pause, but the subsequent military talks indicate both sides recognize the risk of escalation. The US’s potential shift in defense strategy, prioritizing homeland security over global competition, could further complicate these efforts. Overall, these developments suggest a fragile but necessary attempt at de-escalation, with the risk of setbacks if core issues like Taiwan are not addressed directly. The next few months will determine whether these channels lead to genuine trust or merely superficial engagement.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports that the US and China have agreed to establish military-to-military channels to deconflict and deescalate tensions, following recent high-level meetings between Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun. The articles highlight that this is the first face-to-face meeting since Trump’s return, with both sides emphasizing peace and stability. The articles also note that mistrust remains, especially over Taiwan, which Beijing considers a core interest and a red line. The Bloomberg report adds that the discussions followed Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping, where both leaders aimed to reduce trade tensions and stabilize relations. However, no detailed readout of the military talks has been provided, and the articles underscore the cautious tone of these engagements, reflecting ongoing strategic rivalry and regional tensions.
How we got here
Tensions between the US and China have long been strained over Taiwan, military dominance, and regional influence. Diplomatic channels were suspended after Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 visit to Taiwan, raising fears of miscalculation. Recent high-level meetings signal a cautious effort to rebuild communication and prevent conflict, especially as both sides seek to manage their strategic rivalry.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the Goals of US-China Military Talks?
Recent US-China military talks aim to reduce tensions and establish communication channels amid ongoing disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. But what exactly are both sides hoping to achieve? Understanding these goals can shed light on the future of regional stability and US-China relations. Below, we explore the main objectives of these talks and what they could mean for global security.
-
What Are the Key International Security and Diplomatic Stories Today?
Stay informed on the latest global security and diplomatic developments. From high-profile art heists to shifting alliances and rising tensions, these stories shape the world we live in. Curious about how these events connect and what they mean for the future? Read on for answers to your most pressing questions.
More on these topics
-
Dong Jun is a Chinese admiral of the People's Liberation Army Navy who has served as the 14th Minister of National Defense since December 2023.
He served as the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy from September 2021 to December 2023.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Peter Brian Hegseth (born June 6, 1980) is an American government official and former television personality who has served since 2025 as the 29th United States secretary of defense.
Hegseth studied politics at Princeton University, where he was the publi
-
Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.