Key facts
- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said the US perception of China as a rival hinders relations.
- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Dong Jun in Beijing.
- Austin stressed the importance of open communication to avoid miscalculation.
Top security officials from China and the United States acknowledged a significant deficit of mutual trust during a security forum in Beijing. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun stated that the US's perception of China as a rival is a major obstacle to improving bilateral relations. He made these remarks during a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who was also in attendance at the forum.
Austin, in turn, emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the two nations to prevent miscalculation and de-escalate potential conflicts. The meeting between the two defense leaders marked a rare direct engagement amid ongoing tensions between the two global powers.