The US Pentagon is reaching out for military talks with China, but it seems Beijing isn’t picking up the phone just yet. A proposed call after a WWII parade is facing hurdles thanks to past comments from the Defense Secretary. Will these two global powers find common ground, or will diplomacy remain on hold?
Amidst simmering geopolitical tensions, the Pentagon has extended an olive branch to China, proposing a crucial phone call with its military leadership in the wake of Beijing’s recent September 3rd World War II anniversary parade. However, this overture towards enhanced US-China military relations has been met with notable hesitation from Beijing, largely due to lingering disagreements over previous statements made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This proposed early September conversation carries significant weight, marking what would be the first high-level military-to-military exchange between Washington and Beijing under President Donald Trump’s anticipated second administration, as reported by Nikkei Asia. U.S. officials view this strategic outreach as foundational groundwork, potentially paving the way for a much-anticipated summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping sometime in late 2024 or early 2025, underscoring the delicate balance of international diplomacy.
The initiative for these renewed communication channels reportedly gained momentum following Secretary of State Marco Rubio‘s “constructive and pragmatic” meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister in Malaysia on July 11th, according to official State Department readouts. Such engagements are critical in stabilizing US-China relations and fostering mutual understanding, even amidst pronounced strategic differences.
The primary sticking point in this diplomatic stalemate revolves around contrasting interpretations of Defense Secretary Hegseth’s past remarks. While the Trump administration seeks to highlight the more conciliatory elements of his statements—such as “We will not instigate nor seek to subjugate or humiliate”—Beijing remains firmly focused on his assertion that “The threat China poses is real and it could be imminent.” This divergence in perception underscores the deep-seated mistrust that both nations are attempting to navigate.
Further complicating matters is the disagreement over the appropriate counterparts for engagement. China traditionally views its Defense Secretary as the natural equivalent to Hegseth. Yet, Pentagon officials express a preference for engaging General Zhang Youxia, the first-ranked vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a Politburo member, whom they believe possesses actual decision-making authority within China’s military hierarchy. This bureaucratic discrepancy adds another layer of complexity to the pursuit of direct military dialogue.
In a parallel effort to maintain communication, the Pentagon is actively evaluating potential participation in Beijing’s forthcoming Xiangshan Forum, an important regional security dialogue scheduled for September 17-19. While Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Alvaro Smith is reportedly considering attendance, concrete confirmations thus far have only come from U.S. Embassy defense attachés, indicating a cautious approach to high-level engagement at the forum.
As the United States continues its strategic push for military dialogue, the hesitance from Beijing highlights the intricate challenges inherent in managing superpower relations. The delicate dance between projecting strength and seeking diplomatic engagement remains a critical aspect of international stability, with global observers closely watching for any signs of de-escalation or progress in US-China military diplomacy.
