US Seeks Stronger Military Ties with China Amid Tensions

The United States is making efforts to improve military relations with China, according to Adam Smith, a leading US lawmaker, during a congressional delegation meeting with China's Defense Minister in Beijing on Monday. This visit marks the first by the House of Representatives to China since 2019, and its aim is to address heightened tensions between the two nations over various issues including trade, technology, and conflicting views on global conflicts. In 2023, a group of US senators also visited Beijing.

Headed by Rep Adam Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, the delegation also engaged in discussions with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, Vice Premier He Lifeng, and Premier Li Qiang. Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, particularly between defense structures, despite existing disagreements. Both nations, he noted, share the intention of sustaining global peace and security.

The meeting comes after more than a year of suspended US-China military communications, following anger in Beijing over Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August 2022. Dialogue was restored in November 2023, following a meeting between the Chinese President and then-US President Joe Biden. Former President Donald Trump announced plans for a meeting with Xi Jinping and a future visit to China. The delegation, also featuring lawmakers Michael Baumgartner, Ro Khanna, and Chrissy Houlahan, will be in China until Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies.)