US China Establish Military Communication Channels To Curb Tensions

Following a historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the United States and China have agreed to establish military-to-military communication channels to reduce conflict and deescalate tensions. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun agreed on these channels after discussions on the sidelines of regional security meetings and emphasized that peace, stability, and good relations are the best path forward for both countries. This development marks a cautious step toward stability after years of limited military communication, with most direct links having gone dormant during Trump's first term and further cut off in 2022 amid escalating tensions. The move aims to prevent accidental military clashes, especially given the volatile situation in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes between China and Southeast Asian nations persist. The agreement also follows a trade truce and tariff reductions agreed upon at the Trump–Xi summit in South Korea, highlighting a broader effort to ease tensions between the two nations. Chinese officials have expressed hopes for mutual respect and cooperation to ensure regional and global peace and security, including clear positions on Taiwan's status.