The United States and China have agreed to reestablish military-to-military communication channels following a “historic” meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a cautious step toward stability in their tense relationship.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Saturday that he and his Chinese counterpart, Minister of National Defence Dong Jun, agreed to set up new channels to “deconflict and deescalate any problems” between their militaries.

The decision followed a phone call between the two officials and a separate meeting in Malaysia after the Trump–Xi summit in South Korea. Hegseth emphasized that both leaders “agree that peace, stability, and good relations are the best path for our two great and strong countries.”

There has been no immediate response from Beijing, but analysts view the move as a positive development after several years of limited communication between the world’s two largest military powers.

Years of dormant dialogue

Experts have long urged direct contact between US and Chinese defense officials, noting that such communication channels are essential to prevent accidental military clashes.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), more than 90 communication links between the two countries went dormant during Trump’s first presidential term (2017–2021). China later cut off the remaining links in 2022 under then-President Joe Biden, after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan angered Beijing.

This breakdown in dialogue coincided with several dangerous encounters in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, including close calls between US and Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels.

Tensions ease after Trump–Xi meeting

Relations began to thaw after President Biden met Xi in 2023, but the recent Trump–Xi summit in South Korea marks a more significant diplomatic step.

The summit produced several outcomes, including a reduction in US tariffs on Chinese goods — from 57% to 47% — and a pledge from Beijing to maintain the supply of rare earth metals. However, unresolved issues remain, such as the fate of TikTok’s US operations and potential restrictions on Nvidia’s advanced semiconductor exports.

Trump also announced plans to visit China in April 2026, while Xi is expected to make a reciprocal trip to the United States later that year.

During their meeting in Malaysia, Hegseth raised concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, its military activities around Taiwan, and its approach toward US allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The United States does not seek conflict, but will continue to stoutly defend its interests and ensure it has the capabilities in the region to do so,” Hegseth said in a post on X.

In response, Dong reportedly told Hegseth that “the reunification of China and Taiwan is an unstoppable historical trend” and urged the US to act cautiously in its statements and policies regarding Taiwan.