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Chinese Defense Minister holds video call with US counterpart, stresses importance of respecting each other's core interests

Global Times

By Yu Xi Published: Sep 10, 2025 08:48 PM

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held a video talk with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. Dong said that it is imperative to uphold an open attitude, maintain communication and engagement, and build a sound, stable China-US military relationship that is based on equality, respect and peaceful coexistence.

Dong stressed the importance of respecting each other's core interests, stating that any attempts to "use military force to support independence" or "use Taiwan to contain China" are doomed to fail, Xinhua reported.

He said that China is committed to working with other countries in the region to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, and firmly opposes acts of infringement or provocation by certain countries, as well as attempts by certain countries outside the region to stir trouble, Xinhua reported.

China always focuses on its own development, and firmly defends its legitimate rights and interests, Dong said, adding that acts of containment or deterrence against China will not succeed, nor will interference in China's affairs, according to Xinhua.

Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday that, China has warned the US not to "use Taiwan to contain China" and not to stir up trouble in the South China Sea. China's statements on these principled positions are very candid, Lü said.

"At the same time, in my personal observation, this conversation between the two sides is still a constructive dialogue that is helpful for military relations," Lü said.

We have always emphasized that cooperation between China and the US is essential, and that maintaining dialogue and consultation is crucial, especially for ensuring a stable and positive military relationship. This is a fundamental prerequisite for avoiding crises and even preventing military conflicts, Xin Qiang, director of the Taiwan Studies Center at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Both sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual concern, according to Xinhua.