Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at the think-tank Defense Priorities, says more direct communication would help in the event of a crisis, and also provide ballast over the longer term.
“I’ve seen how these top U.S. military leaders, when they have some exposure to China, it kind of it has an effect on how they view the situation and they become kind of more moderate, I think, partly because they have to put in the time talking to these people face to face,” he said.
“And I think it goes the other way, too. So this interaction is crucial.”
Analysts say sustained dialogue and lines of communication that stay open in times of tension are the best way forward.
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