China startled the US by conducting a risky intercept of a spy plane over the South China Sea.
China's longstanding claims over the South China Sea, through what is known as the nine-dash line, are not recognized by the international community — including other countries that border that waterway.
A string of artificial islands in the South China Sea serves to extend China's military capability far into these waters, and is strongly opposed by the US.
"I think defense departments should be talking to each other on a routine basis or should have open channels for communication," he said.
"I don't think we are at the point where the US or China think that there's nothing to lose," he said.
Persons:
—, Defense Lloyd Austin, Jonathan Ward, Lloyd Austin, it's, Ward, Dr Zeno Leoni, Leoni, Nancy Pelosi's, Ali Wyne, there's
Organizations:
Service, Defense, Atlas Organization, Pacific Command, US, King's College, South China, Austin, Eurasia Group, AP, China's Ministry of Defense
Locations:
China, South China, Singapore, Hainan, South, United States, Chinese, France, Ukraine, Taiwan, Beijing, Washington, Russia, China's