US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on May 26 that US-China relations are currently better than in any period over the past several years under the Trump administration.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, Hegseth noted that the two countries have made progress in key areas such as trade, security, and strategic dialogue. He emphasized that this cooperation reflects both sides' efforts to reduce tensions and build trust.
According to Hegseth, US-China relations went through a difficult period under previous administrations, but under Trump, negotiations have become more effective, especially in resolving trade disputes and defense cooperation.
The statement comes amid increased high-level exchanges between the US and China, including meetings between defense and diplomatic officials. Hegseth also called for maintaining open dialogue to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, some analysts note that despite improvements, challenges remain such as the South China Sea disputes and the Taiwan issue. Nonetheless, Hegseth's remarks are seen as a positive signal for bilateral relations in the near future.