U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chinese Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun spoke by phone, on Sept. 9, apparently for the first time. The contrasting readouts, both issued the following day, suggest that it was a “frank” discussion.
According to the U.S. readout, Hegseth “made clear that the United States does not seek conflict with China nor is it pursuing regime change or strangulation of the P.R.C. At the same time, however, he forthrightly relayed that the U.S. has vital interests in the Asia-Pacific, the priority theater, and will resolutely protect those interests. Overall, the Secretary and Minister exchanged views in a candid and constructive manner.”
The Chinese readout reported that “Dong said that it is imperative to uphold an open attitude, maintain communication and engagement, and build a sound, stable China-U.S. military relationship that is based on equality, respect and peaceful coexistence.”
