China&rsquo;s Defence Minister Dong Jun has warned the United States to act cautiously over the Taiwan issue, stressing that Washington should oppose any moves toward Taiwanese independence. Dong said China remains committed to peaceful development while firmly safeguarding its national security and territorial integrity.
His remarks came during a meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Malaysia, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers&rsquo; Meeting (ADMM). Dong emphasised the need for stronger communication between the Chinese and US defence departments and more direct engagement between military officers, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, Hegseth also met with his Indian counterpart and is expected to hold discussions with defence ministers from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand to bolster Washington&rsquo;s regional partnerships. He reaffirmed that the US would defend its strategic interests and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, expressing concern about China&rsquo;s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
The South China Sea remains one of the most contested maritime regions, claimed almost entirely by China but overlapping with territories of Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and Indonesia. Chinese coast guard vessels have often clashed with Philippine ships and been accused of disrupting energy exploration efforts.
Malaysia&rsquo;s Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin condemned so-called &ldquo;grey-zone tactics&rdquo; that threaten sovereignty and escalate tensions. Despite years of diplomatic efforts, sovereignty disputes in the region remain unresolved.
The United States has continued expanding its military presence in Southeast Asia through joint exercises with regional allies like the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, aiming to counter China&rsquo;s influence. President Donald Trump recently reiterated America&rsquo;s long-term commitment to ASEAN nations, assuring them of continued cooperation on regional security.
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Beijing urges Washington to act cautiously on Taiwan as defence chiefs meet in Malaysia

China Warns US Over Taiwan, Seeks Dialogue

Beijing urges Washington to act cautiously on Taiwan as defence chiefs meet in Malaysia

October 31, 2025 | 17:21 IST