China’s defence minister Dong Jun warned Washington that efforts to “contain, deter, or interfere” with Beijing would fail, in a video call with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth, state broadcaster CCTV reported Wednesday.
The talks, described by the Pentagon as “candid and constructive,” covered two of the most volatile flashpoints between the rivals: Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Taiwan tensions at the forefront
Dong bluntly told Hegseth that “any attempt or interference to use force to support independence or use Taiwan to contain China will be thwarted.” Beijing claims the self-ruled island as its own and has not ruled out using force to bring it under control. The United States, meanwhile, remains Taiwan’s top arms supplier and has pledged to help defend it.
South China Sea disputes
Turning to the South China Sea, where China asserts sweeping claims that overlap with several Southeast Asian nations, Dong accused unnamed countries of “infringement and provocation” and criticized “deliberate incitement of chaos by countries outside the region”, a clear reference to US naval patrols. Washington has regularly sent warships on “freedom of navigation” operations, infuriating Beijing.
US stance: No conflict, but firm on interests
The Pentagon struck a balancing tone. “Secretary Hegseth made clear that the United States does not seek conflict with China nor is it pursuing regime change or strangulation of the PRC,” spokesman Sean Parnell said. “At the same time, he relayed that the US has vital interests in the Asia-Pacific, the priority theater, and will resolutely protect those interests.”
Despite the sharp words, both sides agreed to continue dialogue, a fragile but necessary channel as Washington and Beijing jostle for influence in the Asia-Pacific.
The talks, described by the Pentagon as “candid and constructive,” covered two of the most volatile flashpoints between the rivals: Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Taiwan tensions at the forefront
Dong bluntly told Hegseth that “any attempt or interference to use force to support independence or use Taiwan to contain China will be thwarted.” Beijing claims the self-ruled island as its own and has not ruled out using force to bring it under control. The United States, meanwhile, remains Taiwan’s top arms supplier and has pledged to help defend it.
South China Sea disputes
Turning to the South China Sea, where China asserts sweeping claims that overlap with several Southeast Asian nations, Dong accused unnamed countries of “infringement and provocation” and criticized “deliberate incitement of chaos by countries outside the region”, a clear reference to US naval patrols. Washington has regularly sent warships on “freedom of navigation” operations, infuriating Beijing.
US stance: No conflict, but firm on interests
The Pentagon struck a balancing tone. “Secretary Hegseth made clear that the United States does not seek conflict with China nor is it pursuing regime change or strangulation of the PRC,” spokesman Sean Parnell said. “At the same time, he relayed that the US has vital interests in the Asia-Pacific, the priority theater, and will resolutely protect those interests.”
Despite the sharp words, both sides agreed to continue dialogue, a fragile but necessary channel as Washington and Beijing jostle for influence in the Asia-Pacific.
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