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US-China Military Communications Strengthen Under New De-Escalation Strategy

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alvaro Smith, Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, said military communication with China is stronger than in years and credited Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for repairing a broken channel.
Smith said Washington is not seeking conflict with China, aiming for a respectful bilateral relationship.
He noted the Defense Department adopted a new de-escalation approach, which the United States has applied over the past year and a half.

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Story summary

Alvaro Smith, Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, said military communication with China is stronger than in years and credited Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for repairing a broken channel.
Smith said Washington is not seeking conflict with China, aiming for a respectful bilateral relationship.
He noted the Defense Department adopted a new de-escalation approach, which the United States has applied over the past year and a half.