Setting the Scene
On 31 October 2025, at the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, U.S. Secretary Hegseth met China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun for face‑to‑face talks.
The two leaders used the meeting to address mounting friction in the Indo‑Pacific: from the South China Sea disputes, Taiwan‑strait tensions, to regional military posture and communication between the U.S. and China.
U.S. officials described the meeting as “good and constructive”. Hegseth posted that the U.S. would “stoutly defend” its interests in the region. Meanwhile, China’s defence ministry emphasised that U.S. actions must respect China’s core interests, particularly regarding Taiwan.
Key Topics on the Table
South China Sea & Taiwan‑Strait Issues
One of the climbing points of tension is Chinese maritime and military activity around the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Hegseth raised concern about China’s actions, saying they threaten U.S. allies and partners in the Indo‑Pacific.
China reaffirmed its position: it will protect its sovereignty and opposes “separatist” movements in Taiwan, while insisting foreign interference is unacceptable. Dong told the U.S. that it must avoid provocative actions in the region.
Military‑to‑Military Communication
Another theme: improving lines of communication between the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s People’s Liberation Army. The meeting followed a call in September between Hegseth and Dong, and the two sides signalled the importance of dialogue in avoiding miscalculation.
Balance of Power & Regional Stability
Hegseth stressed that maintaining the balance of power in the Indo‑Pacific is crucial. The U.S. does not seek conflict, he said, but will ensure it has the capabilities in the region to defend its partners and interests. Dong’s message echoed that China seeks peaceful development but will respond resolutely to perceived threats.
Why This Meeting Matters
Symbolic Reset in U.S.–China Defence Relations
After years of strained military‑to‑military ties, this meeting signals a cautious reopening of senior‑level engagement. That is significant in a bilateral relationship where miscommunication or absence of dialogue can heighten risk.
Implications for the Indo‑Pacific Security Architecture
The region’s security architecture depends on both U.S. alliances and China’s regional posture. This meeting comes at a time when Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Southeast Asian nations are recalibrating their defence relationships. The U.S. wants to reassure its allies; China wants to project strength and influence.
Managing Flash Points
South China Sea, Taiwan, and maritime “grey‑zone” tactics are not just diplomatic issues — they have real potential to trigger military confrontation. By meeting, both sides show they are at least willing to keep a channel open to manage risk.
Challenges & Caveats
Words vs. Actions
While the tone was constructive, neither side announced sweeping agreements or concrete new mechanisms. Analysts caution that such meetings are a first step — real test lies in follow‑through.
Trust Deficit
China’s neighbours and U.S. partners often remain sceptical of Beijing’s intentions. Meanwhile, U.S. allies watch closely to see whether Washington remains committed. Defence communication is only one piece; trust takes time.
Duality of Competition and Cooperation
The U.S.–China relationship remains competitive — in technology, military, economy. This meeting does not erase underlying rivalries. It shows that even amid competition, managing risk is still possible.
Domestic Political Pressures
Both countries face domestic pressures: U.S. defence spending debates, Indo‑Pacific resource allocation; China balancing assertiveness with diplomatic costs. A setback in either country could derail the momentum.
What to Watch Next
- Follow‑up meetings: Will there be working‑level talks, military‑naval staff exchanges, or renewed agreements for engagement?
- Transparency measures: Will China allow more transparency in its military activities? Will the U.S. clarify its alliance commitments in ways that reduce misinterpretation?
- Regional reassurance: How will U.S. allies perceive the meeting? Will Japan, Australia and ASEAN states see their concerns addressed?
- Incidents to monitor: Any escalation around Taiwan or the South China Sea will test the robustness of the dialogue channel.
- Broader policy alignment: Are defence talks aligned with trade, diplomacy and economic relations? A holistic approach may improve stability.
Final Thoughts
The talks between Pete Hegseth and Dong Jun mark a meaningful moment in U.S.–China defence relations. They reflect that even amid rivalry, both sides see value in engaging one another at the highest level.
This engagement will not remove strategic competition, but it may reduce the risk of miscalculation — a key benefit for regional stability. For the Indo‑Pacific and global observers, the hope is that this step becomes a platform for more substantive, sustained dialogue.
In the end, maintaining direct communication, clarifying intentions, and building habits of engagement are what make a difference. If this meeting leads to deeper cooperation — even informal mechanisms of risk‑management — then it will have served a vital purpose.
