China’s defense minister holds call with US counterpart

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held a video call with U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth on the evening of September 9.

1news.media reports, citing Xinhua, Dong urged the US defense secretary to maintain communication and an open attitude, and foster stable and positive military ties based on equal respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect.

He stressed that each side’s core interests must be respected and warned that any attempt to “support independence by force” or “use Taiwan to contain China” would fail.

He added that China is committed to working with regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, firmly opposing provocations or infringements by certain nations and deliberate interference by outside powers.

Dong underscored that China remains focused on its own development while resolutely defending its legitimate rights, and that efforts to contain, deter, or interfere with China will not succeed.