This morning, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a teleconference with Admiral Dong Jun, China’s Minister of National Defense, from the Pentagon. They addressed U.S.-China defense ties and broader security issues. Austin stressed the importance of ongoing military communication and adherence to international laws, especially concerning navigation freedoms in the South China Sea. He reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to operating within these laws globally.
Austin also voiced concerns over Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and provocations by North Korea. He reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to the One China policy and emphasized the need for peace across the Taiwan Strait. Discussions about future U.S.-China military interactions, agreed upon by Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping, are set to continue.
In a separate discussion, Austin reaffirmed the U.S.’s strong defense support for Israel with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, following recent defensive actions against Iran. He also assured ongoing support to Ukraine in a call with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Looking ahead, Austin and General C.Q. Brown Jr. will testify before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee about the 2025 DOD budget request.
Further details on these discussions are available on the Department of Defense’s website.–News Desk