US and China Reopen Military Hotlines Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Washington and Beijing have agreed to reopen key military-to-military channels to deescalate potential conflicts, as announced by War Secretary Pete Hegseth following a recent meeting with China’s Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the ASEAN summit. The move follows a trade deal between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping that eased trade tensions. While the resumption of dialogue is seen as a positive development, Hegseth has also warned Beijing’s neighbors about China’s alleged aggression in the South China Sea.
In a statement posted on X, Hegseth outlined the agreement, stating that both sides aimed to establish these channels to deconflict and deescalate any problems that might arise. He emphasized the importance of the dialogue, particularly in the context of the recent trade deal that has helped to reduce tensions between the two nations. However, Hegseth’s remarks at the ASEAN summit also included a warning to Beijing’s neighbors about China’s alleged activities in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory.
Dong, who represented China in the discussions, hailed the talks as successful and expressed hope that the US would uphold its commitments to avoid containing China and to take a firm stance against any moves toward Taiwanese independence. Xinhua news agency reported Dong’s statements, highlighting the complex balance of the US’s One-China policy with its military support for Taiwan.
While the US officially adheres to the One-China policy, it continues military cooperation with Taiwan and supplies the island with arms. This raises concerns about the implications for regional stability and the broader strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region. The reopening of military lines of communication is seen as an important step in managing tensions and preventing potential conflicts, especially as both nations continue to compete for influence in the region.
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