Pentagon Official Says US-China Military Communication Is Stronger Than in Years

Smith’s remarks represent one of the few recent appearances by a senior Pentagon official at a Chinese-military celebration.

South China Morning Post

The United States and China remain locked in a broad strategic rivalry, with frequent tensions over trade, technology and regional security. Direct military-to-military contacts have been limited, and senior U.S. officials have rarely attended high-profile Chinese defence events. Smith’s comments therefore signal a modest diplomatic opening within an otherwise competitive relationship.

South China Morning Post

Smith emphasized that Washington is not seeking conflict with China and expressed a desire for a “peaceful” and “respectful” bilateral relationship. priorities. According to Smith, this approach has been in effect for roughly a year and a half, during which the Pentagon has worked to repair a previously broken military-to-military channel.

South China Morning Post

• “Under the leadership of Secretary [Pete] Hegseth, we are actively repairing a once broken military-to-military channel and making clear, steady progress,” — Alvaro Smith, deputy assistant defence secretary for China, Taiwan and Mongolia

South China Morning Post

These statements highlight a tentative effort by both sides to maintain dialogue despite broader strategic competition.

South China Morning Post