The US Secretary of Defense assures Beijing: We do not seek conflict, but we will protect our interests in Asia and the Pacific

The spokesperson for the US Department of Defense, Shawn Barnell, announced today, Wednesday, that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun, during which he confirmed that Washington does not seek conflict or regime change in China, but at the same time will defend its vital interests in the Asia-Pacific region firmly.

Barnell explained that the call, which took place on Tuesday, was "frank and constructive," and included discussions on sensitive issues, most notably Taiwan and the South China Sea, where Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability, while adhering to the principle of deterrence and defending allies.

For his part, Chinese Minister Dong Jun warned that any attempt to subjugate China or interfere in its internal affairs would be futile, asserting that Beijing rejects any external support for Taiwan's independence, considering it a direct threat to its territorial integrity.

Both parties agreed to continue military dialogue between the two countries, in a step aimed at reducing tensions and enhancing communication channels between the two militaries, amid rising strategic competition in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.