Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, provided the following readout:
On October 31, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with China's Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+). Secretary Hegseth highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized serious U.S. concerns about China's activities in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and towards U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Hegseth underscored that while the United States does not seek conflict, it will continue to stoutly defend its interests and ensure it has the capabilities in the region to do so.
Today's meeting followed the Secretary's September 9 video teleconference call with Admiral Dong. The Department of War will continue discussions with the People's Liberation Army on matters of mutual importance.