China’s defense minister, Dong Jun, issued a stern warning to the United States on Wednesday, stating that any attempt to “contain, deter, or interfere with China will be futile.” The remarks came amid virtual talks between senior defense officials from both nations, focusing on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and broader military relations, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
During the video call with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Dong emphasized that any US support for Taiwan’s independence or attempts to use the island to restrict China’s influence would be thwarted. “Any attempt or interference to use force to support independence or use Taiwan to contain China will be thwarted,” he said.
China considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of military force to bring the island under its control. The United States, by contrast, is Taiwan’s main arms supplier and has repeatedly pledged to support the island’s defense. These contrasting positions have long been a source of tension between Washington and Beijing.
The South China Sea also featured prominently in the discussions. Dong accused “certain countries” of provocative actions and criticized what he called “deliberate incitement of chaos by countries outside the region.” China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, a stance contested by several Southeast Asian nations. The United States has conducted regular “freedom of navigation” operations in the area, a practice strongly opposed by Beijing.
Despite the firm warnings, Dong expressed a desire for stability in bilateral military relations. He urged Washington to “build an equal, respectful, peacefully coexistent, stable and positive military-to-military relationship” and stressed the importance of respecting China’s “core interests.”
The talks come amid a broader backdrop of tension between the two global powers. Recent months have seen a series of high-profile naval exercises and strategic deployments by both countries, raising concerns over potential misunderstandings or escalation in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts note that open communication channels, such as these military talks, are key to managing risks and avoiding unintended conflict.
Although the discussions included sharp warnings, both sides appeared to acknowledge the value of dialogue. Military experts suggest that even amid rivalry, structured communication can help prevent miscalculations in sensitive regions like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
The Pentagon has not yet released an official readout of the talks, leaving many questions about what agreements or understandings, if any, were reached. Observers will closely monitor follow-up discussions to assess whether either side is willing to adopt measures that reduce tensions.
Analysts emphasize that the US-China military relationship is complex, marked by both competition and cautious engagement. While Beijing maintains a strong stance on sovereignty issues, Washington has consistently underscored its commitment to regional security and international law. The interplay of these positions will likely shape future diplomatic and military encounters.
Experts also point out that these talks are part of a broader strategy by both nations to manage rivalry without triggering open conflict. Maintaining open channels allows each side to communicate red lines, clarify intentions, and reduce the risk of miscalculation in highly sensitive areas.
As China reiterates its core interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea, the world continues to watch how the United States balances deterrence, diplomacy, and support for its allies in the region. The outcome of these military discussions could have lasting implications for stability in the Indo-Pacific.
