‘Important step’: US, China resume military-to-military policy talks after comms freeze

‘Important step’: US, China resume military-to-military policy talks after comms freeze
‘Important step’: US, China resume military-to-military policy talks after comms freeze

For months Beijing boycotted military discussions, raising fears at the Pentagon that a miscommunication could lead to conflict.

Return of wolf warriors? China bangs drum loudly after US ship sails near Spratly Islands

Return of wolf warriors? China bangs drum loudly after US ship sails near Spratly Islands
Return of wolf warriors? China bangs drum loudly after US ship sails near Spratly Islands

“China’s actions point to a ratcheting up of pressure in support of spurious claims over the Nine-Dash Line,” one analyst told Breaking Defense.

Still ways to go before mil-to-mil talks with China restart: NSC official

Still ways to go before mil-to-mil talks with China restart: NSC official
Still ways to go before mil-to-mil talks with China restart: NSC official

“Right now, of course, the secretary of defense does not have a counterpart; there is no [Chinese] minister of defense. We’re going to have to probably wait on that one,” NSC official Sarah Beran said.

Biden launches AI ‘risk and safety’ talks with China. Is nuclear C2 a likely focus?

Biden launches AI ‘risk and safety’ talks with China. Is nuclear C2 a likely focus?
Biden launches AI ‘risk and safety’ talks with China. Is nuclear C2 a likely focus?

Details are scant for now, but experts tell Breaking Defense that any AI agreement between China and the US could involve a pledge not to use AI in nuclear systems.

In China’s military ‘purge,’ final outcomes remain to be seen

In China’s military ‘purge,’ final outcomes remain to be seen
In China’s military ‘purge,’ final outcomes remain to be seen

“We know about the disappearances within the PLA and elsewhere. But no one really knows why,” said Ian Chong, associate professor at the National University of Singapore.

New Chinese 10-Dash map sparks furor across Indo-Pacific: Vietnam, India, Philippines, Malaysia

New Chinese 10-Dash map sparks furor across Indo-Pacific: Vietnam, India, Philippines, Malaysia
New Chinese 10-Dash map sparks furor across Indo-Pacific: Vietnam, India, Philippines, Malaysia

The new map sparked sharp reactions from India, Nepal, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan. The new document was released one week before the G-20 summit in India. President Xi Jinping was to attend but news reports now indicate he will not.

Why a US Navy admiral says China won’t pick up the military hotline

Why a US Navy admiral says China won’t pick up the military hotline
Why a US Navy admiral says China won’t pick up the military hotline

“This is a very dangerous trend in terms of our ability as major powers to truly work out our issues,” Rear Adm. Michael Studeman said of the lack of communications.

The potential end of China’s ‘Period of Strategic Opportunity,’ and what it means militarily

The potential end of China’s ‘Period of Strategic Opportunity,’ and what it means militarily
The potential end of China’s ‘Period of Strategic Opportunity,’ and what it means militarily

2023 will mark the second year in a row that China’s defense budget is slated to increase at a faster rate than the general economy, a potentially worrisome trend for Beijing, writes analyst Dean Cheng.

Xi likely ‘not aware’ of all Chinese gray zone operations, US intel officer says

Xi likely ‘not aware’ of all Chinese gray zone operations, US intel officer says
Xi likely ‘not aware’ of all Chinese gray zone operations, US intel officer says

“There are dangers in how totalitarian states operate,” said Rear Adm. Mike Studeman, commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence. “The truth doesn’t always flow very quickly in the dictatorships, and if it’s bad news, sometimes that gets adulterated on the way up to [the top]. We see some of that happening.”

Only 7 NATO members hit alliance’s 2 percent GDP defense spending target in 2022

Only 7 NATO members hit alliance’s 2 percent GDP defense spending target in 2022
Only 7 NATO members hit alliance’s 2 percent GDP defense spending target in 2022

Despite the concerning finding, between 2021 and 2022, defense spending across the alliance increased by 2.2 percent in real terms, surpassing an estimated $1 trillion.

With Xi visit, Saudi Arabia seeks economic wins, some US leverage: Analysts

With Xi visit, Saudi Arabia seeks economic wins, some US leverage: Analysts
With Xi visit, Saudi Arabia seeks economic wins, some US leverage: Analysts

Experts don’t foresee huge defense deals between Riyadh and Beijing, but drones are another story.

China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress

China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress
China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress

China analyst Dean Cheng breaks down the key military aspects of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s statements at the recent Party Congress.

As Pelosi arrives in Taiwan, the big question is if China’s ‘fire’ rhetoric is just hot air

As Pelosi arrives in Taiwan, the big question is if China’s ‘fire’ rhetoric is just hot air
As Pelosi arrives in Taiwan, the big question is if China’s ‘fire’ rhetoric is just hot air

Pelosi’s visit is happening at a sensitive time for Xi. The party leadership is meeting this week at a resort in advance of the party congress due to be held this fall. Xi has made “reunification” with the island state a keystone of his rule.

‘Almost a melding’ of US, UK, Aussie services coming: NSC’s Kurt Campbell

‘Almost a melding’ of US, UK, Aussie services coming: NSC’s Kurt Campbell
‘Almost a melding’ of US, UK, Aussie services coming: NSC’s Kurt Campbell

The context for President Biden’s almost four-hour discussion Monday night with President Xi Jinpeng, Kurt Campbell said, is “that the United States is here to stay in the Indo-Pacific, and we’re going to defend and support the operating system that has been so good for so many of us for many years.”