Despite three major obstacles -- U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, close-in reconnaissance and discriminatory laws – a review of China-US military contacts in 2016 suggests that the armed forces of both countries are determined to sustain a relationship despite recurring tensions. Promoted by top-level policies, the two sides should maintain close communication, increase practical cooperation, and manage differences and contradictions.

The PLA should not only collaborate in US-led exercises to get familiar with American weapon systems and the tactics they employ, the Chinese should embrace the model and initiate joint exercises of its own. That would demonstrate its readiness both to face foreign intervention and to preserve regional security and stability as it assume mores global responsibilities.

Cooperation in non-security areas is stimulating more opportunities in security areas, despite efforts by third parties to diminish strategic trust between the two navies.

Beijing’s role in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), a multi-nation maritime operation, has become a point of controversy, even leading some U.S. leaders and analysts to suggest revoking an invitation. Losing a RIMPAC invitation may not deter Beijing’s more aggressive movements, and also reaffirm charges of U.S. containment.

A Sino-American joint military exercise on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) to a typhoon-hit country was held in Haikou, Hainan Province. These cooperative exercises are still in the early phases; non-traditional threats such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and maritime security, are still institutionally, logistically, and legally lacking.

Can the United States and China continue to build mutual trust through increased military exchanges? According to Wu Zurong, recent developments have boosted military-to-military relations between the two countries, but more must be done to reaffirm US claims that it has no intention of containing China.

The real challenge in the major power relationship is not how good it will be, but the degree to which it could present less risk, writes Zhou Bo.

Usni.org, the official website of US Naval Institute, has created a controversy by posting an article that says, "China sends uninvited spy ship to Rimpac" (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), writes Zhang Junshe.

Given China’s participation in the 2014 RIMPAC exercises, Doug Bandow analyzes and discusses the benefits of such inclusion. Additionally, Bandow examines how the RIMPAC exercises show that China can and should be enticed into involvement and cooperation with Western nations.

Chinese criticism of the Pentagon’s latest report on China’s military power is misplaced. The text is not intended to propagate the “China threat” thesis as part of a U.S.-led containment strategy. Instead, the document offers a balanced review of Chinese capabilities and intentions, and combines deterrence threats with reassuring opportunities for further China-U.S. defense cooperation.