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Hegseth, Pete

US and China Agree to Establish Military-to-Military Communications Channels

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that Washington and Beijing have agreed to establish military-to-military communications channels, marking a positive development in bilateral relations between the two countries. Hegseth made the announcement on social media platform X, stating that peace, stability, and good relations are the best path for both nations. This move comes after Hegseth urged Southeast Asian nations to stand firm and strengthen their maritime forces to counter China's claims in the South China Sea, where Beijing has had frequent clashes with regional nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and China have agreed to establish military-to-military communications channels, marking a positive development in their bilateral relations.
  • Hegseth stated that peace, stability, and good relations are the best path for both nations, echoing his earlier message with President Donald Trump.
  • Hegseth criticized Beijing's recent declaration of the Scarborough Shoal as a "nature reserve," saying it was an attempt to coerce new and expanded territorial claims.
  • Hegseth urged ASEAN to hasten the conclusion of a code of conduct with China to govern behavior in the South China Sea and proposed developing shared maritime surveillance and rapid-response systems.
  • Hegseth welcomed plans for an ASEAN-U.S. maritime exercise in December to strengthen regional coordination and uphold freedom of navigation.

Statistics:

  • The South China Sea is one of Asia's most volatile flashpoints, with Beijing claiming almost the entire region.
  • ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei also claim ownership of coastal areas and features in the South China Sea.
  • The Philippines has repeatedly urged a stronger regional response to counter China's claims, but ASEAN has traditionally sought to balance caution with economic ties to Beijing.
  • The Scarborough Shoal was seized by China from the Philippines in 2012, and Hegseth described Beijing's recent declaration as an attempt to coerce new and expanded territorial claims.
  • China rejects U.S. criticism of its maritime conduct, accusing Washington of interfering in regional affairs and provoking tensions through its military presence.

Sources:

  • AP News (2025). "US, China Agree to Establish Military-to-Military Communications Channels". Archived from the original on 2025.
  • Hegseth, P. (2022, Saturday). Remarks at ASEAN meeting. X.
  • Hegseth, P. (2022, Sunday). Remarks on X regarding message with President Donald Trump. X.

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