The U.S. Navy's top officer will meet with his Chinese counterpart in China next week as the two powers seek to tamp down rising military and trade tensions.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson will travel to Beijing and Nanjing from Jan. 13 to 16, meeting with China's Central Military Commission leadership and People's Liberation Army Navy commander Vice Adm. Shen Jinlong.
"A routine exchange of views is essential, especially in times of friction, in order to reduce risk and avoid miscalculation," Richardson said in a statement. "Honest and frank dialogue can improve the relationship in constructive ways, help explore areas where we share common interests, and reduce risk while we work through our differences."