The United States and China have agreed to reopen their military-level communication channels, aimed at controlling potential conflicts and reducing tensions. The agreement was reached on Saturday (1 November) during a sideline meeting between the defence ministers of the two countries at a regional conference in Malaysia, according to a report by French news agency AFP.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that in his constructive meeting with China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun, both sides agreed to resume military communications.
He said, “We agree that peace, stability, and good relations are the best path forward for our two powerful nations.”
Hegseth added that they had agreed to establish military contacts capable of easing potential misunderstandings or conflict situations. These channels existed in the past but became inactive at various times. Further meetings will be held soon on this issue.
Although Beijing did not give an immediate reaction, a statement released by China’s Ministry of Defense said that both countries should strengthen policy-level dialogue to build trust and reduce uncertainty. Dong also called for building a stable bilateral military relationship based on equality, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Just a day earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump held a meeting in South Korea.
Earlier this year, Hegseth had commented that China was preparing to take military steps that would alter the balance of power in Asia—remarks that drew a strong response from Beijing.
Tensions between the US and China over Taiwan have also persisted for many years. Beijing considers the island part of its territory and opposes any official foreign contact with it. The United States, however, is Taiwan’s biggest supporter and arms supplier.
