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US defense and state secretaries speak with their Chinese counterparts NHK

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have held calls with their Chinese counterparts amid anticipation over a possible US-China summit.



The US Department of Defense said Hegseth held a video call with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Tuesday.



The Defense Department's readout said Hegseth made clear that the US does not seek conflict with China. But it also said that at the same time, Hegseth "forthrightly relayed that the US has vital interests in the Asia-Pacific, the priority theater, and will resolutely protect those interests."



The US Department of State said Rubio had a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.



It noted that Rubio "emphasized the importance of open and constructive communication on a range of bilateral issues."



After a July meeting with Wang in Malaysia, Rubio said there was a high probability of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He stated that both sides had a strong desire to make it happen.



Earlier this month, CNN said Trump could meet Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit set to be held in South Korea later this year.



The report quoted US administration officials as saying there have been serious discussions about a meeting, but no firm plans are in place.
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Quiz 1:
Who did the US Defense Secretary hold a video call with on Tuesday, as per the article?
A. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
B. Chinese President Xi Jinping
C. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun
D. US President Donald Trump

Answers: Quiz 1: C

Quiz 2:
What was the main topic of discussion during the phone conversation between the US Secretary of State and Chinese Foreign Minister, according to the article?
A. Open and constructive communication on a range of bilateral issues
B. The possibility of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping
C. Vital interests in the Asia-Pacific region
D. Conflict avoidance with China

Answers: Quiz 2: A

Quiz 3:
According to the article, where is it expected that a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping might take place?
A. Malaysia
B. South Korea
C. The United States
D. China

Answers: Quiz 3: B
Summary
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with their Chinese counterparts, marking potential preparations for a US-China summit. On Tuesday, Hegseth had a video call with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun where he emphasized the US does not seek conflict but
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ID: 1e281c5b-e945-4d66-af21-99e4d30267f9

Category ID: nhk

URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250911_10/

Date: Sept. 11, 2025

Created: 2025/09/12 07:03

Updated: 2025/12/08 02:12

Last Read: 2025/09/12 07:52