Both China and the United States need to unite to improve their relations in strategic areas. Despite differences in their military might, both sides should strive to increase communication and cooperation in emerging issues to avoid strategic miscalculations. They should also engage each other in exchanges of ideas. Even if many of these projects are symbolic, they can have a positive effect on mutual trust. These stabilization mechanisms are essential for preventing and managing conflicts and avoiding larger crises.
Disparities among U.S.-Chinese military power
The report identifies the differences between the two countries' military capabilities, and argues that the U.S. military advantage is justifiable. The report also identifies the importance of limiting Chinese nuclear development in order to protect U.S. security interests. Numerous scholars and experts contributed to this report. Three of them were former Pentagon officials and military specialists.
They are experts in their respective fields. Ervin J. Kurter, former undersecretary to the state for foreign affairs and Robert S. Kapp are some of these experts. They are the presidents of the U.S. China Business Council which represents U.S. companies doing Chinese business. Thomas S. Foley (ex-ambassador to Japan) is also a partner at Warburg Pincus in Boston. Andrew Scobell (senior fellow at the Strategic Studies Institute of U.S Army War College) contributes an essay to the study.
Confidence gap among U.S. military and Chinese militaries
Despite China's impressive military modernization, its military capabilities remain behind those of the United States. China is far behind the United States when it comes to operational and military skills. However, China has made substantial progress in many key areas. RAND has recently published a report which analyzes both the U.S. militaries and China's.
The report describes various methods of evaluating the relative capabilities in conflict situations of U.S., Chinese militaries. It shows how each nation ranks against the other in historical comparisons from 1996 through 2017. An advantage means one side would be able to achieve primary objectives, while a disadvantage means the opposite.
Efforts to enhance cooperation between the two militaries
Both militaries have started to develop a comprehensive mechanism for enhancing cooperation. This mechanism will include U.S. Forces, South Korean Forces, and other relevant agencies. It will also involve close coordination of operations and intelligence activities. In addition, both militaries will support each other with their electronic and communications capabilities.
Both the U.S. as well as the Japanese governments will also coordinate intelligence and transportation operations. This is an important step to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of both Forces. The two governments will work together to provide airlift and sealift supplies for Japan.
Trust deficit between both militaries
Despite improving military relations between India-China, there is still a trust deficit between these two countries. As a result, the two militaries continue to be cautious in their interactions across the Line of Actual Control (LoAC) and have yet to resolve their longstanding border dispute. While the two countries share close strategic relations, there are still suspicions about motives or intentions that could undermine their political and border compromise.
The problem has been being attempted to be solved by both militaries, but there have been no significant developments. Both sides continue to send large numbers of troops into deep regions. Both sides want to establish infrastructure in Ladakh that will enable them to continue their military operations. Talks between the two militaries has been held for 10 rounds, but with very limited success. The Galwan Valley clash was the first round.