China’s Defense Chief Denounces ‘Hegemony’ at Xiangshan Forum as U.S.–China Contacts Continue

Overview

• Defense Minister Dong Jun warned that Cold War mentalities, hegemony and protectionism persist, urging opposition to intimidation in new forms.
• Dong held a videoconference this week with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that addressed sensitive issues including Taiwan and the South China Sea.
• The Pentagon described the exchange as frank and constructive and said both sides agreed to continue the discussions.
• Forum organizers said roughly 1,800 representatives from 100 countries gathered in Beijing for the Xiangshan security meeting.
• Reporting said Dong’s remarks were a veiled reference to the United States, with coverage also noting expectations of a possible Xi–Trump meeting.