Austin Speaks with Chinese Counterpart for First Time Since November 2022

‘During the discussion, Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of continuing to open lines of military-to-military communication...,’ said Gen. Pat Ryder.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin talks to the media at the seventh gathering of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein air base in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, on March 19, 2024. Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images

The U.S. defense secretary spoke with his Chinese counterpart today for the first time since November 2022, the Pentagon announced.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a video teleconference with China’s Minister of National Defense Dong Jun. The two discussed bilateral defense issues and global security dynamics, according to a Pentagon readout.