China Defense Minister Urges US Trust, Cautions Taiwan Policy

China's Defense Minister Dong Jun emphasized the importance of building trust and enhancing policy-level communication between China and the United States during talks with U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth at a regional defense summit in Malaysia. Dong highlighted that China remains committed to peaceful development but is fully capable of responding effectively to any infringements or provocations. He urged the U.S. to be cautious in its words and actions regarding Taiwan, describing cross-Strait reunification as an "unstoppable trend of history" and calling for firm opposition to Taiwan independence. Both ministers agreed on the need to translate the consensus reached by Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump into concrete actions, aiming to establish a bilateral military relationship characterized by equality, respect, and peaceful coexistence. Hegseth acknowledged U.S. concerns about China's activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to stabilize and positively develop China-U.S. military relations amid regional tensions.