US and China Defense Chiefs Hold First Talks in 18 Months to Thaw Relations

The high-level military discussions aim to stabilize ties and manage tensions, particularly over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun engaged in their first substantive talks since November 2022.
The talks focused on defense relations, regional stability, and the importance of open military communication.
Both sides emphasized respect for international law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The dialogue also covered global security issues, including the situations in Taiwan, North Korea, and Ukraine.
Future engagements are planned to continue dialogue and prevent conflict.