Biden Seeks to Enhance Military Ties with China During Meeting with Xi

In an upcoming meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are poised to reinstate some military communication channels between the U.S. and China. These discussions are anticipated to occur on the sidelines of the summit.

This initiative aims to rejuvenate the routine dialogues as part of the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement. This agreement, active until 2020, facilitated the enhancement of safety measures in airborne and maritime operations, as informed by a U.S. official who preferred to remain anonymous while discussing the expected declaration of the leaders.

The reinstatement of these communications has been a point of concern for U.S. military officials, particularly in the wake of escalating incidents of dangerous or unprofessional interactions involving vessels and aircraft from both countries.

The Pentagon’s latest report highlights China’s recent avoidance or dismissal of military engagements with the U.S., intensifying throughout the previous and current year. This neglect of communication, the report emphasizes, elevates the risk of misunderstandings escalating into larger conflicts.

The U.S. regards maintaining military relations with China as vital for preventing misunderstandings and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Here’s an overview of the complex dynamics between the U.S. and Chinese military forces.

A History of Dialogue and Exchange

Over 15 years ago, the U.S. Defense Department began making strides in improving relations with China, as both nations increased their military presence in the Indo-Pacific. While the U.S. was wary of China’s rapid military expansion, China was cautious of the U.S.’s growing regional influence. To foster better understanding and communication, defense officials from both nations frequently met. In 2008, then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates noted the establishment of a direct phone line with China, marking a significant step in enhancing relations.

High-ranking U.S. defense officials and their Chinese counterparts continued these exchanges over the next decade, including visits to each other’s countries. For instance, in 2014, then-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited China’s Yuchi Naval Base, marking a significant moment as he boarded China’s first aircraft carrier.

The 2014 Defense Department report on China’s military capabilities mentioned a positive trend in U.S.-China relations, citing increased dialogues, agreements, and military exercises aimed at reducing risks and enhancing transparency.

Persistent Challenges

Despite these efforts, challenges persisted. The U.S.’s strategic shift towards the Pacific under the Obama administration, which increased American military presence, drew sharp criticism from Beijing. China’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly its militarization of artificial islands, raised alarms in the U.S. and among its Pacific allies.

In 2018, tensions escalated as the Trump administration excluded Beijing from the Rim of the Pacific military exercise, citing China’s militarization of the South China Sea islands. Additionally, China’s ongoing support for Taiwan, which it considers its territory, further strained relations.

The U.S. has also condemned China’s increasing cyberattacks and espionage activities targeting sensitive defense sectors.

Impact of the Pandemic and Pelosi’s Visit

Military contacts with China dwindled during the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions and tensions over the virus’s origins in China. Beijing’s suspension of all military contacts following former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 visit to Taiwan exacerbated these tensions. Pelosi’s visit, the highest by an American official since 1997, prompted a military response from China, including missile launches and naval exercises.

The Pentagon has expressed concern over the rise in risky Chinese military activities, emphasizing the need for communication to avoid accidental conflicts.

The Importance of Renewing the Maritime Agreement

Bonnie Lin, a director at the Center for Strategic and International Security, stressed the significance of resuming dialogues under the maritime agreement. Restarting these talks would symbolize a potential for collaborative efforts between the two nations.

This report includes insights from Tara Copp, a writer for Big Big News.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about US-China Military Relations

More about US-China Military Relations

• Biden and Xi’s APEC Summit Meeting
• History of US-China Military Relations
• Military Maritime Consultative Agreement
• Impact of Pelosi’s Taiwan Visit on US-China Relations
• COVID-19 and US-China Military Communication