US Secretary of Defense Hagasez on the 31st held his first face-to-face meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in Kuala Lumpur. After the meeting, Hagasez described the meeting with Dong Jun as "good and constructive," and emphasized during the meeting that the United States will continue to firmly defend its interests in the region.
After the meeting, Hagasez posted on the social platform X, sharing the news of his meeting with Dong Jun that day. This week, the US and Chinese defense ministers are attending the ASEAN defense ministers' meeting in Malaysia.
In his post, Hagasez revealed that he emphasized the importance of maintaining the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region at the meeting, and specifically addressed American concerns about Beijing's activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, as well as actions targeting US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Hagasez stressed that the United States does not seek conflict and will continue to firmly defend its own interests and ensure it retains the ability to safeguard its interests in the region.
He concluded by stating that the US will continue to consult with the PLA on issues of common concern.
According to a statement released by China's Ministry of National Defense, Dong Jun at the meeting demanded that the United States act with caution on the Taiwan issue and made clear China's firm opposition to "Taiwan independence."