U.S. Aims to Mend China Military Ties

Ironically stated in 400 B.C. by Chinese general/military strategist, Sun-Tzu, the age-old adage "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" applies as the U.S. attempts to regain contact with the Chinese military/government. Relations had been frozen between the powerhouses since January due to U.S. interest in the freedom of the South China Sea. Tensions rose further when the U.S. supplied $6.4 billion worth of arms to Chinese rival, Taiwan. Hoping to enhance multilateral relations in Southeast Asia, U.S. explores contact with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines, all of whom assert partial stake in South China Sea activity. No doubt a long and arduous process, the U.S. has embarked on a critical journey to establish a functional relationship with China.