• A bipartisan US delegation met Chinese leaders to improve military communication.
• Concerns over the risk of military misunderstandings were emphasized due to rapid technological advancements.
• The delegation discussed issues like trade, fentanyl, and the future of TikTok.
• China's Defense Minister called for clearer communication to avoid conflicts.
• Meetings included discussions on stabilizing the US-China relationship amid ongoing tensions.

A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers, led by Representative Adam Smith, recently engaged Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Defense Minister Dong Jun in Beijing, marking the first congressional visit to China since 2019. This initiative reflects efforts to restore strained military communications between the two nations, which had been suspended following tensions over Taiwan, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

During their meetings, Smith underscored the necessity of "opening lines of communication," especially on defense matters, to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. "We have disagreements, without question, but I think it makes it all the more important that we have open discussions," he asserted, as quoted by TRT Global and Channel News Asia. Dong emphasized the need for removing "disruptive and restrictive factors" that hinder dialogue between the two nations.

The lawmakers also raised concerns regarding the risks of military misunderstandings, particularly given the rapid advancements in areas such as AI, drone warfare, and cyber capabilities. "We need to have a better conversation about de-conflicting those things," Smith stated, regarding the close encounters between military assets from both countries, according to TRT Global and Channel News Asia.

The delegation's discussions also included ongoing trade tensions, with initiatives surrounding the issue of fentanyl and potential resolutions regarding the Chinese social media app TikTok. Smith noted that the situation regarding TikTok "has not been 100 percent resolved," highlighting ongoing negotiations to address the security concerns surrounding the platform, as reported by Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.

The meetings followed a pair of phone calls earlier this month between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, signaling a continued desire to stabilize relations despite existing rivalries. The bipartisan delegation aims to address critical issues and build frameworks for smoother bilateral engagements, according to South China Morning Post and TRT Global.