U.S. 'Eager' to Resume Stalled Military Talks with China

Lack of a Chinese counterpart for U.S. Defense Secretary and previous severed contacts following Taiwan visit are cited as reasons for delay.

U.S. and China have yet to resume military talks agreed upon at a summit last month.
Lack of contact may be due to China not having named a counterpart for U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Military talks were severed after then-House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022.
Biden aides believe the talks can prevent differences between the countries, including in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan, from escalating into conflict.
U.S. and Chinese militaries have had several near-misses and acrimonious exchanges over the past year.