The US plans to send a high-level delegation to Beijing within weeks to lay the groundwork for a possible visit by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, officials said [1, 2, 3]. The delegation is expected to be led by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon undersecretary for policy [2, 3]. Its goal is to finalise arrangements for Hegseth’s visit, although no specific timeline for the trip has been disclosed [1, 2, 3].
Pete Hegseth took over as US defence chief last year and has not yet visited China since assuming the role [1]. He accompanied former President Donald Trump on a three-day visit to Beijing last month, demonstrating high-level US interest in improving defence dialogue [3].
China, however, has indicated it will not approve an official US defence visit until the stalled $14 billion US weapons package for Taiwan is resolved [3]. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, reiterated China’s firm opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan and official exchanges with the island. Guo said Beijing expects the US to "act on the important common understandings reached at the China-US summit, honor its commitments," and "handle the Taiwan question with actual prudence." He added the US should stop sending "wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces" and work to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and China-US relations [3].
Taiwan’s leader William Lai expressed willingness to discuss the issue directly with Trump, saying he would welcome the conversation regarding the arms package [3].
The diplomatic effort follows the May 14 visit by Trump and Hegseth to Beijing. The upcoming US delegation aims to prepare the conditions for Hegseth’s future visit, underscoring ongoing US-China security exchanges amid tensions over Taiwan and regional security [3].
