Chinese defense minister holds video talk with U.S. counterpart

BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held a video talk with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday.

Dong said that it is imperative to uphold an open attitude, maintain communication and engagement, and build a sound, stable China-U.S. military relationship that is based on equality, respect and peaceful coexistence.

Dong stressed the importance of respecting each other's core interests.

Any attempts or acts of interference to support "Taiwan independence" separatism with force or use Taiwan to contain China are doomed to fail, Dong said.

He said that China is committed to working with other countries in the region to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, and firmly opposes acts of infringement or provocation by certain countries, as well as attempts by certain countries outside the region to stir trouble.

China always focuses on its own development, and firmly defends its legitimate rights and interests, Dong said, adding that acts of containment or deterrence against China will not succeed, nor will interference in China's affairs.

Both sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual concern. ■