Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

A top US military official whose area of responsibility includes the Indo-Pacific has held a call with one of China’s top military officials after two years of no direct communication.

What’s the deal: According to US & Chinese officials, The call involved US Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo and Gen. Wu Yanan, commander of China’s Southern Theater Command. The discussion centered on the importance of maintaining open military-to-military communication between the US and China to reduce the risk of miscalculation or conflict, particularly in sensitive areas like the South China Sea.

What the US is saying: In a readout released by US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Paparo brought up recent unsafe interactions between the Chinese military and US allies in the region. According to the readout, Admiral Paparo “urged the PLA to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond.”

What China is saying: In a brief statement, China’s Defense Ministry said that Gen. Yanan and Admiral Paparo “exchanged in-depth views on issues of common concern.”

Digging Deeper: The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes, with China claiming nearly the entire area under its nine-dash line. This claim was rejected by an international tribunal in 2016, but China has continued to militarize parts of the sea, building artificial islands and military bases. The Philippines, among other nations, has contested these actions, leading to clashes between the two countries’ coast guards. These tensions raise concerns about potential military escalation, which could involve the United States due to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.