The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on 11 companies across China and West Asia over alleged links to restricted activities and security concerns. The move escalates economic pressure amid rising geopolitical tensions, targeting firms accused of violating international rules and supporting sensitive operations.

Trump Admin Sanctions 11 Firms Across China & West Asia

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16).

US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine.

According to the Pentagon, Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun spoke about "defence relations" and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's unjustified conflict in Ukraine. "Respect for high seas freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea," was another point made by the US Defense Secretary.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indo-pacific-is-regaining-salience-amid-west-asia-crisis-us-china-strategic-contestation-711405" hreflang="en">Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation</a>

Conversely, Beijing said that it would not hesitate to employ force to get access to the South China Sea and seize control of Taiwan. China has employed underwater barriers, a military-grade laser, and collision and ramming methods to thwart Philippine patrol and resupply operations amid escalating tensions with the Philippines.

A senior defence official, &nbsp;ahead of the talks, said the call between Austin and Dong was an “important step” in keeping lines of communication open between the two military powers.

“These engagements provide us with opportunities to prevent competition from veering into conflict by speaking candidly about our concerns. That includes the People’s Republic of China's behaviour in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” a senior defence official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Dong, who has been China's minister of national defence since December, had never before talked to Austin before the call on Tuesday. The conversation between Austin and Dong is the latest in a string of recent discussions between US and Chinese defence officials. In December, US General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked with his Chinese military counterpart.

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In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16). US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine.

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16). US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun spoke about "defence relations" and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's unjustified conflict in Ukraine. "Respect for high seas freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea," was another point made by the US Defense Secretary. Also read: Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation Conversely, Beijing said that it would not hesitate to employ force to get access to the South China Sea and seize control of Taiwan. China has employed underwater barriers, a military-grade laser, and collision and ramming methods to thwart Philippine patrol and resupply operations amid escalating tensions with the Philippines. A senior defence official, ahead of the talks, said the call between Austin and Dong was an “important step” in keeping lines of communication open between the two military powers. “These engagements provide us with opportunities to prevent competition from veering into conflict by speaking candidly about our concerns. That includes the People’s Republic of China's behaviour in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” a senior defence official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Dong, who has been China's minister of national defence since December, had never before talked to Austin before the call on Tuesday. The conversation between Austin and Dong is the latest in a string of recent discussions between US and Chinese defence officials. In December, US General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked with his Chinese military counterpart.

US defence secretary and Chinese counterpart hold first talks since 2022

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The American flag at the US consulate in Chengdu has officially been lowered after the Chinese government ordered to shut down the diplomatic mission. Watch report.

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The United States of America may restrict the operations of Chinese Media after putting ban on Chinese airlines. Watch this video to get complete details.

US to restrict Chinese Media operations after putting ban on Chinese airlines