Overview

• Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun warned that efforts to contain or deter China, including using Taiwan to pressure Beijing, would fail and criticized outside provocation in the South China Sea.
• A Pentagon readout said Pete Hegseth told Dong that the United States does not seek conflict, regime change, or the “strangulation” of the PRC, while underscoring U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific.
• Both defense chiefs agreed to further discussions to keep military channels open, and the U.S. defense attaché in Beijing will attend next week’s Xiangshan Forum.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a separate call described as constructive, with Wang urging caution on issues touching China’s core interests, especially Taiwan.
• The outreach followed China’s Sept. 3 parade showcasing advanced and nuclear-capable systems, a display that heightened U.S. concern and formed the backdrop for talks that observers say could enable, though not guarantee, a leaders’ meeting.