The meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore was the first for Austin and Dong, who was appointed defense minister in December. It also marked the first for the rival superpowers' defense chiefs in about 18 months.
According to a Pentagon readout, Austin expressed concern over "provocative" activity by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The warning came about a week after China conducted large military drills encircling Taiwan and its outlying islands -- ostensibly as "punishment" for new Taiwan President Lai Chinge-te's pro-sovereignty inauguration speech.
Austin added that Beijing "should not use Taiwan's political transition -- part of a normal, routine democratic process -- as a pretext for coercive measures."
Dong, for his part, warned Austin that the U.S. should not interfere in China's affairs with Taiwan, which it regards as a renegade province even though the Communist Party has never ruled it. Following the meeting, China's Defense Ministry spokesperson said Washington's approach to Taiwan is sending a "wrong signal" to "separatist forces" in Taipei.
In particular, Dong was referring to Washington congratulating Lai on his inauguration, as well as sending a delegation to the ceremony, according to the spokesperson. The U.S. does not have official relations with Taiwan but maintains unofficial trade, defense and other ties.
The talks went on for about 75 minutes, longer than expected. Despite the charged atmosphere, both sides also sought to stabilize relations. The bilateral meeting on Friday followed last November's summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden near San Francisco, where they agreed to work to restore military communication channels.
Austin emphasized the importance of keeping open lines of communication between the two powers' armed forces, the Pentagon said, and "welcomed" plans to convene a crisis-communications working group by the end of the year.
Dong told Austin that the current relations should be cherished and both sides should not "smear and contain the other side," according to China's defense spokesperson, who quoted the minister. Beijing described the meeting as an example of "positive, practical and constructive" engagement.
The spokesperson added that Dong reiterated China's view of the war in Gaza, calling for a cease-fire and arguing the U.S. should live up to its responsibility as a major player. Meanwhile, the Pentagon said Austin "discussed Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine and [China's] role in supporting Russia's defense industrial base."
The U.S.-China friction looms large as delegates from 45 countries -- including Southeast Asian and European states -- gather for the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue, the region's largest defense conference.
The summit will feature a series of speeches as well as a flurry of bilateral and multilateral meetings on the sidelines. Austin is scheduled to deliver a speech on Saturday, while China's Dong will make an address on Sunday.
Additional reporting by Ng Chun Kiat.