Productive U.S.-China dialogue can prevent clashes

The U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs had heated exchanges over Taiwan, the South China Sea and the situation in Ukraine at their recent meeting in Singapore. But even though they butted heads, the officials agreed to continue dialogue, including setting up a crisis-communications working group by the end of the year.

We commend both parties on their efforts to activate communication at various levels of government, including this first meeting in one and a half years between their nations' defense chiefs. We hope such productive dialogue continues so as to prevent inadvertent clashes and promote regional stability.