(MENAFN) The United States and China have reached an understanding on creating direct military communication lines to help prevent potential conflicts, according to statements from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"Admiral Dong and I also agreed that we should set up military-to-military channels to deconflict and deescalate any problems that arise. We have more meetings on that coming soon," Hegseth wrote on the US social media platform X.

He emphasized that maintaining peace, stability, and mutual understanding remains the “best path” for both nations. “As President Trump said, his historic ‘G2 meeting’ set the tone for everlasting peace and success for the U.S. and China. The Department of War will do the same — peace through strength, mutual respect, and positive relations,” Hegseth added.

The agreement followed a meeting between Hegseth and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, held on the sidelines of a regional defense summit involving Southeast Asian nations.

Hegseth also held separate discussions with defense leaders from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, focusing on strengthening coordination and deterrence in the South China Sea. “We share an ongoing commitment to ensure peace and stability in the region and are resolute in our partnership to maintain peace through strength,” he wrote.

The move comes shortly after US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea — a gathering Trump described as the “G2” meeting, aimed at reaffirming strategic cooperation between Washington and Beijing.

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