Saturday, March 29, 2025
U.S.-China Relations ‘Stronger Than Ever’: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth After Trump–Xi Meeting
Amid growing optimism over renewed dialogue between Washington and Beijing, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that relations between the United States and China are stronger than ever following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth wrote, “I just spoke with President Trump. We both agree that U.S.-China relations have never been better.” He added that peace, stability, and constructive relations remain “the best path forward for both nations.”
Hegseth also mentioned his separate meeting with Admiral Dong Jun, China’s National Defense Minister, noting that their conversation was “productive and positive.”
“Admiral Dong agreed that the defense departments of both countries must work together to promote peace and stability,” Hegseth said.
He emphasized the need for military-to-military communication channels to prevent escalation and called for more high-level meetings to resolve outstanding issues.
“We must build bridges to reduce tensions,” Hegseth said, concluding with the message, “May God bless both China and America.”
Ties between Washington and Beijing had been strained in recent years over trade disputes, Taiwan, and technology restrictions. Trump’s May tariff announcement initially caused unrest in global markets, prompting China to halt soybean purchases from the U.S.
However, recent developments — including Trump’s decision to reduce tariffs by 10%, China’s agreement to act against fentanyl trafficking, and the resumption of agricultural imports — signal a thaw in relations.
Both sides now appear committed to strengthening economic and diplomatic cooperation, marking what could be the beginning of a more stable phase in U.S.-China ties.
