Part 10/13:
Relations have been strained since key events like the 2022 spy balloon incident and the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, which prompted China to suspend military communications with the U.S. in the past. Despite this week's setback, President Biden remains optimistic, asserting that both nations are maintaining regular dialogue at various levels, highlighting the importance of open channels amid rising tensions.
Meanwhile, China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun’s role appears to be largely symbolic amid internal anti-corruption efforts within the Chinese military, which have led to frequent leadership changes. Nonetheless, maintaining military communication remains a priority for the U.S. to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into unintended conflict.