Pentagon official hails stronger US-China military ties in rare speech
A senior Pentagon official delivered a rare speech at the Chinese embassy, citing 'clear, steady progress' in military communication.
A senior Pentagon official on Tuesday said US-China military communication was “stronger than it has been in years”, marking a rare bright spot in broader strategic rivalry. Alvaro Smith, deputy assistant defence secretary for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, spoke at a reception at the Chinese embassy celebrating the 99th anniversary of the PLA’s founding. He credited Secretary Pete Hegseth for actively repairing “a once broken military-to-military channel” and making “clear, steady progress”. The speech is unusual for a Defense Department policymaker, though US officials often attend such events.
The remarks come as preparations intensify for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected US visit in September. Last week, China’s foreign vice-minister Ma Zhaoxu traveled to Washington for groundwork, while FBI Director Kash Patel visited Beijing. Smith also said Washington is not seeking “conflict with China” and hopes for a “peaceful” and “respectful” bilateral relationship. The event underscores a cautious thaw in high-level military diplomacy amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan, trade, and technology.
- Deputy Assistant Defence Secretary Alvaro Smith gave a rare speech at the Chinese embassy's PLA anniversary reception.
- Smith said military communication channels are 'stronger than in years' under Secretary Hegseth's leadership.
- The speech precedes President Xi Jinping's planned September US visit, with recent diplomatic exchanges by Ma Zhaoxu and Kash Patel.
Why It Matters
Rare Pentagon praise signals a potential thaw in US-China military relations ahead of a high-stakes presidential visit.