US warns China over dangerous South China Sea actions in talks

A senior US military official recently engaged in talks with his Chinese counterpart, addressing concerns over China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The discussions, which took place via video call, marked the first military dialogue since China halted communications with the US in 2022 following a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. The US Indo-Pacific Command's Commander Samuel Paparo emphasized the need for ongoing communication to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations between the two military forces. During the talks, Paparo raised issues regarding unsafe interactions involving Chinese military forces and US allies, urging the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to reconsider its coercive tactics in the region. The South China Sea has been a focal point of tension, with China asserting claims over the area despite competing claims from other nations and an international court ruling that dismissed its claims as lacking legal basis. The dialogue comes after a visit by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to China, where he discussed the importance of freedom of navigation and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Sullivan's meeting with senior Chinese military official Zhang Youxia highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan, with Zhang reiterating that the status of the self-ruled island is a critical issue in US-China relations. The recent military talks reflect a mutual interest in re-establishing communication channels to manage disputes and reduce the risk of conflict, as both nations navigate their complex relationship amid rising geopolitical tensions.