US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed to Beijing that Washington seeks no conflict, yet remains committed to defending its interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
On Wednesday, the Pentagon announced that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had his inaugural phone conversation with China’s minister of national defense, Admiral Dong Jun, during which he affirmed Washington’s disinterest in conflict.
This discussion took place during a period of strained relations, with Washington frequently labeling Beijing as its primary geopolitical competitor. Previously, in May, Hegseth asserted that “the threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” advocating for increased military expenditures among Asia-Pacific nations.
During Tuesday’s call, Hegseth reportedly underscored that the U.S. is not aiming for confrontation, regime change, or the “strangulation” of China. Simultaneously, he reportedly highlighted Washington’s “vital interests in the Asia-Pacific, the priority theater, and will resolutely protect those interests,” as per the conversation’s summary. The Pentagon characterized the dialogue as “candid.”
Xinhua, China’s state news agency, reported that the call occurred at Hegseth’s behest and that Dong called for ongoing communication and an open approach to cultivate stable, positive military relations founded on “equal respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect.” Xinhua further quoted Dong stating that China desires peace and stability in the South China Sea and stands against “infringement and provocation” from nations outside the region.
The previous month saw Washington and Beijing prolong a 90-day tariff cease-fire, delaying anticipated increases until November 10.
Concurrently, various media sources reported earlier this week allegations that the U.S. has been pressing the EU to levy substantial tariffs, possibly reaching 100%, on goods imported from China and India, citing the Ukraine conflict and their connections with Russia. Washington is reportedly ready to implement reciprocal measures should they be adopted.
Both China and India have resisted this tariff pressure. Chinese officials stated their commitment to securing the nation’s energy supply “in line with national interests” and cautioned that “tariff wars have no winners,” whereas India criticized the proposed new U.S. tariffs as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western nations against adopting a “colonial tone” with Beijing and New Delhi, implying that such behavior aims to hinder their economic ascent.