Archive · 3 Nov 2025
US and China Agree to Establish Military Communication Channels
The top defense officials from the United States and China, Pete Hegseth and Admiral Dong Jun, met recently.
They decided to create special phone lines or ways for their militaries to talk directly to each other.
This is to help them avoid misunderstandings and calm down any potential problems that might come up between their countries.
They believe this direct communication is important for keeping peace and stability.
This meeting happened after the leaders of both countries, President Trump and President Xi, had a big meeting.
Both leaders said their countries' relationship is improving and that working together peacefully is the best way forward.
This new military communication channel is a significant step in their relationship.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and China's Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun met in Malaysia.
Both officials agreed to establish military-to-military channels to deconflict and de-escalate potential problems.
This agreement follows a recent meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at fostering peace and stability.
The meetings occurred on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting — Plus (ADMM-Plus).
The US and China aim to strengthen communication and maintain stability in their bilateral ties through these new channels.
- Who
- US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and China's Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun
- What
- Agreed to establish military-to-military channels to deconflict and de-escalate problems, aiming to strengthen communication and maintain stability in bilateral ties.
- When
- Friday and Saturday, announced Sunday
- Where
- Malaysia, on the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus meeting
- Why
- To strengthen communication, maintain stability in bilateral ties, and de-escalate potential conflicts following the US-China presidential meeting.
US Stance
China's Stance
Military Communication Channels
US Stance
Agreed to establish channels to deconflict and de-escalate problems, seeing it as a way to maintain stability and peace, and improve bilateral ties following the Trump-Xi meeting.
China's Stance
Agreed to establish channels to deconflict and de-escalate problems, emphasizing peace, stability, and good relations between the two countries.
Relationship Trajectory
US Stance
The relationship between the US and China 'has never been better' following President Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping, aiming for 'everlasting peace and success'.
China's Stance
Emphasizes peace, stability, and good relations as the best path forward for both countries.
- US Secretary of War
- Pete Hegseth
- Chinese Minister of National Defense
- Admiral Dong Jun
- Meeting Location
- Malaysia
- Meeting Context
- 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting — Plus (ADMM-Plus)
- Date of Meeting
- Friday and Saturday (implied)
- Key Agreement
- Establish military-to-military channels to deconflict and de-escalate problems
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Chinese President
- Xi Jinping
Sources
Pentagon chief visits Vietnam amid prolonged arms supply talks
Pentagon chief urges close ties with Vietnam amid prolonged arms supply talks
Pentagon chief says US seeks deeper military ties with Vietnam
Hegseth visits South Korea for talks on U.S. troops, tour of DMZ border
