Following a recent summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, China’s Foreign Ministry announced that both nations have agreed to work toward a new military crisis-communication pact. The proposed memorandum of understanding is intended to facilitate better communication and prevention of incidents between the two militaries.

According to Beijing, the goal is to finalize this agreement as soon as possible to provide commanders with a reliable mechanism for managing dangerous encounters in the Indo-Pacific. While the two militaries already maintain some existing communication channels, this new effort suggests a desire to formalize and potentially expand the protocols for de-escalation.

There is currently limited information regarding the specific timeline for the implementation of this pact or the exact scope of the new communication protocols. The announcement highlights a diplomatic effort to reduce the risk of accidental conflict, though the effectiveness of such agreements often depends on the willingness of both sides to adhere to the established channels during periods of heightened tension. As of now, the U.S. government has provided less detail on the specific mechanics of the proposed agreement compared to the statements released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.