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At close · Tue, Jul 28, 2026
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Pentagon official says US-China military communication is stronger

The Pentagon said it is repairing a broken military-to-military channel and is pursuing clearer conversations aimed at de-escalation, while saying it is not seeking conflict with China.

A senior Pentagon official said US-China military communication is stronger than it has been in years, describing the improvement as a rare bright spot amid broader strategic rivalry between the two countries. The official, Alvaro Smith, deputy assistant defense secretary for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, made the remarks at an anniversary event on Tuesday.

Smith said the Defense Department is working to repair what he described as a once broken military-to-military channel, adding that Washington is seeing steady progress under the leadership of Secretary Pete Hegseth. He also framed the effort as part of a new approach built around candid, respectful and clear conversations focused on de-escalation.

According to Smith, the United States is not seeking conflict with China and hopes to maintain a peaceful, respectful bilateral relationship. He said the department is continuing to advance US priorities while emphasizing genuine interest in lowering tensions.

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