Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he and Admiral Dong Jun agreed in Malaysia to establish direct military channels to reduce escalation risks, with follow‑up meetings planned.
- No technical details, launch timeline, or confirmation of an operational hotline were disclosed in the announcement.
- Hegseth praised ties as “never better” in a post on X, yet he also criticized China’s South China Sea claims, highlighting the mixed messaging noted by reporters and analysts.
- The move follows last week’s leaders’ meeting in Busan, where Xi Jinping was quoted urging the United States and China to act as partners and avoid cycles of retaliation.
- Core disputes over tariffs, Taiwan, and maritime claims persist, and European commentary urges the EU to craft a clearer strategy toward Washington and Beijing.