China's defence minister holds call with US counterpart, Xinhua reports

China's defence minister Dong Jun held a video call with his U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth on Tuesday at the latter's request, China's state-run news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday.

Dong urged the U.S. defence secretary to maintain communication and an open attitude, and foster stable and positive military ties based on "equal respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect", according to Xinhua.

China is committed to working with regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and opposes "the infringement and provocation of certain countries and the deliberate incitement of countries not in the region," Dong was cited as saying.