James N. Mattis recently traveled to China in an attempt to deepen high-level ties between the United States and one of the most powerful nations in the world. Defense Secretary Mattis has witnessed how the friction of the China-United States relations can damage military contracts and hoped to visit China; however, Beijing changed plans for him to visit the Chinese Defense Minister, Wei Fenghe, and the U.S. retaliated with new sanctions. Washington and Beijing then began a harsh trade war and Taiwan and China’s military power was increased throughout the South China Sea. When the U.S. put sanctions on China for buying Russian-made weapons, the country was angered, but even more upsetting was the U.S. backing Taiwan in China’s sacred territory. The Pentagon also recently revealed information about Chinese naval vehicles participating in dangerous maneuvers that could have caused a collision with the USS Decatur, which had the potential to damage both ships severely.

During the start of their eventual talk, Mattis and Fenghe did not exchange words, but simply shook hands. The meeting ended suddenly with no public statements being issued.

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, Randall Schriver, stated Mattis and Fenghe discussed their differing views heavily, but the two ultimately agreed they needed stable ties. Schriver also added that he believes they both thought the meeting was important and communication between the two nations helps resolve conflicts. He claimed making military-to-military connections will help lessen the chance of a devastating conflict to occur. Wie Fenghe has a standing invitation to the United States, but Schriver states no date has been set for his visit.

In conclusion, the tension between the United States and China has risen far above comfortable levels due to unprofessional maneuvers and the bitter and harsh trade war raging between Washington and Beijing. These tensions hopefully will not increase, but only time will tell what will happen in the future.