UPDATE: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced today that the United States and China will establish direct military communication channels, a significant move aimed at easing tensions between the two global powers. Hegseth revealed this development following a late-night conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, during a regional security meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This announcement comes as Southeast Asian nations are urged to bolster their maritime defenses against China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Hegseth emphasized that peace and stability are critical, stating, “The relationship between the U.S. and China has never been better.” His remarks highlight a dual approach to U.S.-China relations, balancing diplomacy with the need for deterrence.
Hegseth’s conversation with Admiral Dong occurred on the sidelines of a meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on October 15, 2025. He criticized China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, referring to them as destabilizing and counterproductive to peaceful resolutions. The South China Sea remains a highly contested area, with multiple nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, asserting their claims against China’s expansive assertions.
Earlier today, Hegseth also discussed his conversations with former President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance of diplomatic engagement with China following a recent meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. Hegseth believes this engagement sets a positive tone for U.S.-China relations moving forward.
Amidst these discussions, tensions remain high, particularly with the Philippines. Hegseth accused China of further coercing territorial claims after Beijing declared the contested Scarborough Shoal a “nature reserve.” This declaration is viewed as another attempt to expand its maritime claims at the expense of neighboring countries.
The U.S. Secretary urged ASEAN to expedite the conclusion of a long-awaited Code of Conduct with China to govern maritime behavior in the region. He further proposed the development of shared maritime surveillance and rapid-response systems to ensure that member nations can deter aggression collectively.
In a bold move, Hegseth announced a planned ASEAN-U.S. maritime exercise set for December 2025, aimed at reinforcing regional coordination and upholding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
China, however, continues to reject U.S. criticism, asserting its military presence is lawful and aimed at maintaining regional security. In a pointed response, Chinese officials labeled the Philippines a “troublemaker” following recent joint military drills conducted with the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand in the contested waters.
As these developments unfold, the international community is keenly watching how the establishment of military communication channels will impact the delicate balance of power in the region. The juxtaposition of Hegseth’s warning during ASEAN meetings against a backdrop of conciliatory social media messages reflects the complex and evolving nature of U.S.-China relations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation in the South China Sea continues to escalate.
