Keeping the Peace: Why U. S. and China Need to Talk

The South China Sea has become a hotspot for tense encounters between the U.S. and China.

Increasingly Dangerous Encounters

• 2023: A Chinese fighter jet flew too close to a U.S. reconnaissance plane.
• Earlier in 2023: Another Chinese jet came dangerously close to a U.S. military aircraft.
• These risky moves are happening more often.

Lack of Communication Increases Risks

• Unlike the Cold War, when the U.S. and Soviet Union had safety protocols, there is no similar system with China.
• This raises the risk of a small incident escalating into a major conflict.

Historical Precedent: The 2001 Spy Plane Incident

• A U.S. spy plane collided with a Chinese fighter, leading to a 10-day standoff.
• Diplomacy resolved the crisis, but today’s tensions are higher, and China is more powerful.

Cold War Lessons: The Need for Communication

• During the Cold War, the U.S. and Soviet Union had agreements to avoid accidents:
• Notification of missile launches
• Safety protocols
• The U.S. and China need similar measures to prevent escalation.

Efforts to Improve Communication

• 2023: President Biden and Xi Jinping agreed to re-establish military dialogue.
• However, communication remains weak and unreliable.
• One-off phone calls and hotlines are not enough to prevent accidents.

Signs of Progress

• Late 2023: China hinted at improving military relations.
• Xi Jinping stated that military ties could stabilize U.S.-China relations.
• More needs to be done to strengthen communication.

The Path Forward

• The U.S. and China must build a stronger system of communication.
• This is not just about avoiding accidents—it’s about ensuring peace and stability in the region.
• Without it, the risk of conflict will continue to grow.