Developing | Chinese and US defence ministers discuss Taiwan, South China Sea in video call
In discussions with Pete Hegseth, Dong Jun calls for respect for mutual interests, according to state media
Any attempts to contain deter or interfere with China will fail, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said on Tuesday night in his first video call with US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
State news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday that the discussions included Taiwan and the South China Sea, two areas of friction between Beijing and Washington.
“Any schemes and interference aimed at ‘using military force to assist independence’ or ‘using the Taiwan issue to contain China’ will be thwarted,” the report quoted Dong as saying.
“China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea together with countries in the region.
“It firmly opposes infringement and provocations by certain countries, as well as the deliberate instigation by external nations.
“We’ve always focused on our own development and resolutely defended our legitimate rights and interests. Any attempts to contain, deter or interfere with China will absolutely fail.”