On September 9, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth held a call with Admiral Dong Jun, China’s Minister of National Defense. According to Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, the conversation addressed the United States’ approach to its relationship with China.
During the discussion, Secretary Hegseth stated: "the United States does not seek conflict with China nor is it pursuing regime change or strangulation of the PRC. At the same time, however, he forthrightly relayed that the U.S. has vital interests in the Asia-Pacific, the priority theater, and will resolutely protect those interests."
Parnell noted that both officials "exchanged views in a candid and constructive manner" and agreed to continue talks.