China, US military ties may be in a downward spiral ‘for a long time’

Military relations between China and the United States are expected to remain in a downward spiral for some time, analysts say, as tensions escalate between the world’s two biggest powers.

The assessment came after China denied a request for a US warship to visit Hong Kong next month, summoned US ambassador Terry Branstad to lodge “stern representations” in Beijing, and postponed military talks that had been scheduled to be held this week.

In the past, military exchanges between the two sides have continued through diplomatic ups and downs, but the latest tensions – which come on top of the trade war – could make it difficult to get relations back on track, according to Shi Yinhong, an international relations expert at Renmin University in Beijing.

“China and the US are facing their most serious diplomatic confrontations and crisis in decades, and their military relations will be affected for a long time,” he said.

“The two militaries may want to keep up a certain level of exchanges to stop the confrontations from escalating, but there is also a possibility that the impact on military exchanges may worsen the diplomatic tension,” he added.

Both Chinese and US officials have emphasised the need for military communications to prevent clashes, especially as the two sides lock horns over a range of issues, including China’s activities in the South China Sea.